Warner Bros. Pictures is bringing Michael Bond's children's classic, PADDINGTON BEAR, to the screen in a live-action family comedy format for the first time. David Heyman, producer of the HARRY POTTER film franchise, will produce through his Heyday Films. Writer Hamish McColl (MR. BEAN'S HOLIDAY) is attached to adapt.
"We're eager to collaborate once again with David, as well as with our London creative team, on this ageless classic," said Jeff Robinov, President, Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.
Heyman added, "PADDINGTON BEAR is a universally loved character and I have wanted to bring him to the screen for some years. Michael Bond's PADDINGTON books have such wit, wonder and charm. Essentially, Paddington's story is that of an immigrant (bear) arriving in London, and trying to find a home and a family. Above all, I love Paddington's unique take on life -- he is a great comic creation."
Paddington Bear appears to be a quintessentially British character, with his meticulous manners, but he is actually a refugee from Peru who arrives at Paddington Station in London with only with his duffle coat, hat, Wellington boots, a battered suitcase containing an almost empty jar of marmalade, and a label around his neck stating, "Please Look After This Bear. Thank you." When the Brown family spot him looking lost on the station platform, the Brown family decides they must invite this homeless bear into their house -- without realizing quite what comic mayhem he will bring to their everyday family life. Paddington's compulsive curiosity leads him into endless comic misadventures -- yet somehow his blithe optimism and sense of wonder always help him to escape unscathed from his own chaos.
U.K.-based production VP Ollie Madden will oversee the project with L.A.-based EVP of production Kevin McCormick. Rosie Alison will supervise for Heyday Films.
Stephen Durbridge of the Agency (London) Ltd. represented the rights holder Paddington and Company Ltd. and the author Michael Bond in the sale of the rights to Warner Brothers. He also worked with Nicholas Durbridge of The Copyrights Group Ltd., the worldwide merchandising agent for PADDINGTON BEAR.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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