We reported yesterday that The Weinstein Company was trying to sell off the domestic rights to the upcoming Paddington 2. The Weinstein Company is in financial trouble in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein allegations, and reports indicated the company was trying to offload Paddington 2 to another studios before bankruptcy filings. Now, the studio has acquired North American distribution rights to Paddington 2 from The Weinstein Company. Even better news? The film will maintain its January 12, 2018 domestic release date.
The Weinstein Company was merely handling stateside distribution for the sequel film, which is produced by StudioCanal and Heydey Films. The creators behind Paddington 2 were looking to distance themselves and the children's film from The Weinstein Company in light of the allegations against the mega producer. With The Weinstein Company looking to sell the distribution rights, that gave Paddington 2 the opportunity to find a new home. The movie has already done well in the U.K. where the film has been released into theaters, and as such should also be a boon to Warner Bros. who can distribute and be associated with a beloved and financially successful property. The first Paddington film seemingly came out of nowhere and received rave reviews, making $268 million at the worldwide box office. Warner Bros. acquiring the distribution rights for Paddington 2 from The Weinstein Company seems to be the best outcome and is beneficial for all involved. It remains to be seen if any other of The Weinstein Company's films find new homes in light of the allegations.
Paddington 2 continues the adventures of the titular bear after he has settled in with the Brown family. The bear, famous for his coat and hat, picks up a series of odd jobs to buy a gift for his aunt Lucy's birthday, only to have it stolen. Paddington 2 stars returning actors Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Waters, Jim Broadbent and the voice of Paddington himself, Ben Whishaw. The returning cast are joined by newcomers Hugh Grant and Brendan Gleeson. Director Paul King returns to helm the sequel based on a script he wrote with Simon Farnaby. The films are based on a series of books about the marmalade loving bear written by author, Michael Bond, who passed away earlier this year.
The trailer for the film makes it look as if fans of the original film will find a lot to like in the lovable bear's return to the big screen. The film has already opened in the U.K. to positive reviews and outpaced the original's opening weekend numbers. Paddington 2 releases in North American theaters on January 12, 2018. Find Paddington 2 and all of the major movies coming out next year in our 2018 release schedule.
