Studiocanal is joining forces with Nickelodeon and award-winning producer David Heyman to create a CGI-animated series adapted from its Paddington franchise, with actor Ben Whishaw on board to reprise his role as the voice of the beloved bear.
The toon series will be based on Michael Bond’s Paddington Bear stories, as were the two feature films: “Paddington” (2014) and “Paddington 2” (2017) which were global box-office hits. The first “Paddington” movie took $268 million worldwide and gave Studiocanal its biggest theatrical gross ever. It also marked the highest-grossing non-U.S. family film ever. “Paddington 2,” released in December 2017, grossed more than $227.3 million worldwide.
The series will be aimed at pre-schoolers, and will air on Nickelodeon’s networks worldwide next year. Local broadcast partners will be brought on board in France, Canada, China and Japan.
“Paddington is such a beloved character for all of us at Studiocanal,” CEO Didier Lupfer said. “We are incredibly happy to be back in his world introducing new generations to his kindness, generosity and spirit.”
“We can’t wait to welcome Paddington, one of the world’s most beloved characters, to our global Nickelodeon family with a series that will take him on fun and exciting new adventures, while staying true to his original heartfelt charm and spirit,” said Layla Lewis, SVP of Global Acquisitions and Content Partnerships for Nickelodeon.
Currently in production, the Paddington animated series is helmed by Adam Shaw of Blue Zoo (“Go Jetters”) and written by Jon Foster and James Lamont (“Paddington,” “Paddington 2”).
Heyman, the producer of all eight “Harry Potter” films, as well as “Gravity” and the two “Paddington” films, is producing the series with Karen Davidsen and Simon Quinn (“Isle of Dogs”). The series is executive produced by Rosie Alison and co-produced by Rob Silva.
“Paddington 3” is currently in development with Studiocanal and Heyday.
