The marmalade-loving bear took the world took the world by storm in 2014, becoming one of the most unexpected and heartwarming success stories in recent memory. Of course a sequel was made, and confidence is running so high that a third film is already being discussed.
But first Paddington 2 needs to politely flex its muscles at the box office, and with nearly all of the major players returning, a sophomore slump seems highly unlikely. Co-writer and director Paul King proved that he could capture Paddington’s inconspicuous charm with the first film, and fans can rejoice that he’s back for another round. Also returning is Sally Hawkins and Hugh Bonneville as the Brown family parents, Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington, and several other supporting players.
What made Paddington a runaway success, though, wasn’t just that it captured the spirit of Michael Bond’s books, but that it filled a niche everyone else was ignoring. The loud, madcap family films that are so in vogue stand in sharp contrast to Paddington’s well-intentioned bumbling, and even after audiences responded warmly to the first film, there’s still little else like it.
Think about how strange this trailer seems, spending much of its time on a window washing gag that would’ve been at home in the silent era. Paddington 2 is selling a warmhearted, patient brand of entertainment that families aren’t getting anywhere else, and that will likely make it another smashing success.
Paddington 2 is directed by Paul King and stars Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant, and Brendan Gleeson. It will be released in the U.K. on November 10th, 2017 and in the U.S. on January 12th, 2018. For international release dates, click here.
Do you think Paddington 2 will be another charmer? Let us know in the comments!
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