U.S. audiences will have to exercise a bit more patience for their next Paddington adventure, as the beloved film franchise’s third installment, Paddington in Peru, has shifted its release date from January 2025 to Valentine’s Day.
Originally scheduled to debut on January 17, the family-friendly movie will now open on February 14, coinciding with President’s Day weekend.
This timing aligns the film’s release with a double holiday weekend, offering a prime opportunity to attract families with children on an extended school break—a strategy that distributors hope will bolster box office numbers.
The movie, which premiered in the U.K. earlier this month, had a record-breaking opening weekend, earning £9.65 million ($12.4 million).
This impressive debut marks the largest opening for a British film since 2021’s No Time to Die. The first two Paddington films collectively grossed over $600 million worldwide, and the third installment is poised to push the franchise closer to the $1 billion mark.
Based on the beloved children’s book series by British author Michael Bond, Paddington in Peru follows the titular bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw) as he embarks on a new adventure.
The story begins when Paddington receives a letter from Peru informing him that his cherished Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) has mysteriously disappeared from her jungle cabin at the Home for Retired Bears.
Accompanied by his adopted family, the Browns, Paddington ventures deep into the Amazon rainforest and ascends the peaks of Peru in a thrilling quest to solve the mystery.
In addition to Whishaw and Staunton, the film sees the return of cast members Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Madeleine Harris, and Samuel Joslin. Joining the ensemble are new faces such as Olivia Colman, Emily Mortimer, Carla Tous, and Antonio Banderas.
In a recent feature on Paddington 3, it was revealed intriguing details about the film’s connections to British royalty.
The movie subtly includes both Queen Elizabeth II and Olivia Colman, who famously portrayed the late monarch in The Crown.
Producer Rosie Alison explained, “The royal family was very happy for it to happen, but we prefer to keep it understated because Paddington is, of course, a modest fellow.”
Colman, who plays a guitar-strumming, singing nun inspired by The Sound of Music, eagerly embraced her role. “Oh yeah, I mean, it’s Paddington!” she said.
“Paddington is just the best person in the whole wide world. Imagine if everyone was like Paddington—wouldn’t that be lovely?”
The film is directed by Dougal Wilson from a screenplay by Mark Burton, Jon Foster, and James Lamont. Paul King, who directed the first two installments, collaborated on the story with Simon Farnaby and Burton.
Studiocanal financed Paddington in Peru and is managing distribution across key territories such as the U.K., France, Germany, and Australia.
In the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, distribution will be handled by Sony Pictures. The film’s worldwide reach extends to China, Japan, and other major markets, ensuring Paddington’s continued global appeal.
Set to open in the U.S. on February 14, 2025, Paddington in Peru promises to deliver the same heartwarming charm and adventure that has made the franchise a family favorite worldwide.
