# Paddington 2

> 2017 film by Paul King

**Wikidata**: [Q27590871](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27590871)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddington_2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paddington-2

## Summary
Paddington 2 is a 2017 British comedy-adventure film directed by Paul King, serving as the sequel to the 2014 film Paddington. The film follows Paddington Bear as he takes on various jobs to buy a special pop-up book for his Aunt Lucy's 100th birthday, only to be framed for its theft and sent to prison.

## Key Facts
- Release date: November 10, 2017 (UK), with additional releases throughout November-December 2017 and January-February 2018 in various countries
- Director: Paul King
- Production companies: Heyday Films, StudioCanal, and others
- Genre: Family film, comedy film, adventure film
- IMDb ID: tt4468740
- Rotten Tomatoes score: 99% (8.7/10, 88/100)
- Budget: $50,000,000
- Box office: $227,994,792 worldwide ($40,907,738 in the UK)
- Runtime: 103 minutes
- Country of origin: United Kingdom, France
- Part of series: Paddington film franchise
- Website: http://www.paddington.com/global/home

## FAQs
**What is the plot of Paddington 2?**
Paddington Bear takes on various jobs to buy a special pop-up book for his Aunt Lucy's 100th birthday, but when the book is stolen and Paddington is framed for the theft, he must unmask the real culprit while adjusting to life in prison.

**Who are the main cast members of Paddington 2?**
The film stars Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington Bear, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Brendan Gleeson, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, and Hugh Grant.

**What production companies were involved in Paddington 2?**
Paddington 2 was produced by Heyday Films (British), StudioCanal (French), and other production companies.

**What is the critical reception of Paddington 2?**
Paddington 2 received widespread critical acclaim, holding a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an average score of 8.7/10 and 88/100 on Metacritic.

**Is Paddington 2 part of a larger franchise?**
Yes, Paddington 2 is the second installment in the Paddington film franchise, following the 2014 film Paddington and preceding Paddington 3 (in development).

## Why It Matters
Paddington 2 matters as a rare example of a family film sequel that surpassed its predecessor in both critical acclaim and audience reception. The film demonstrates how children's entertainment can maintain sophisticated humor and emotional depth while remaining accessible to all ages. Its success proved that thoughtful, well-crafted family films could achieve both commercial success and artistic recognition in an era dominated by franchise blockbusters. The film's themes of kindness, community, and the immigrant experience resonated strongly with audiences, making it culturally significant beyond its entertainment value.

## Notable For
- Achieving a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the best-reviewed films of 2017
- Surpassing the critical acclaim of its predecessor, Paddington (2014)
- Featuring Hugh Grant's acclaimed performance as the villain Phoenix Buchanan
- Demonstrating exceptional production design and visual effects in bringing the animated bear to life
- Balancing humor for both children and adults without alienating either audience
- Addressing themes of immigration, community, and kindness in a family-friendly context
- Achieving significant box office success ($227 million worldwide) despite its modest $50 million budget

## Body
### Production and Development
Paddington 2 was developed as a sequel to the successful 2014 film Paddington, with director Paul King returning to helm the project. The film was produced by Heyday Films, a British production company founded in 1996, and StudioCanal, a French film studio established in 1984. The production involved multiple international companies and was filmed primarily in the United Kingdom.

### Cast and Characters
The film features Ben Whishaw reprising his role as the voice of Paddington Bear, with the live-action cast including Hugh Bonneville as Mr. Brown, Sally Hawkins as Mrs. Brown, and Hugh Grant in a critically acclaimed performance as the villainous Phoenix Buchanan. The ensemble cast also includes Brendan Gleeson, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, and Peter Capaldi, creating a rich tapestry of British talent.

### Release and Distribution
Paddington 2 had its world premiere in the United Kingdom on November 10, 2017, followed by staggered releases throughout November and December in various international markets. The film continued its theatrical run into early 2018, with releases in countries including the United States, Australia, and Japan. This phased release strategy allowed the film to build momentum through word-of-mouth recommendations.

### Critical Reception and Awards
The film achieved exceptional critical success, holding a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on hundreds of reviews. Critics particularly praised Hugh Grant's performance, the film's visual design, and its ability to appeal to both children and adults. The film received numerous award nominations, including BAFTA nominations for Best British Film and Best Adapted Screenplay.

### Box Office Performance
With a production budget of $50 million, Paddington 2 achieved significant commercial success, grossing $227,994,792 worldwide. The film performed particularly well in the United Kingdom, earning $40,907,738 at the box office. This financial success demonstrated the viability of quality family films in the competitive theatrical market.

### Genre and Style
Paddington 2 blends multiple genres, functioning as a family film, comedy, and adventure movie. The film maintains the whimsical tone of its predecessor while expanding the scope of its storytelling and visual design. The production design features elaborate sets and sequences, particularly the pop-up book sequences that serve as a central plot device.

### Cultural Impact
The film's themes of kindness, community, and the immigrant experience resonated strongly with audiences. Paddington's character, as a Peruvian bear adapting to life in London, serves as a metaphor for immigration and cultural integration. The film's message of acceptance and community building gained particular relevance in the context of contemporary social and political discussions.

### Technical Achievements
The film showcases advanced visual effects work in bringing Paddington Bear to life, with seamless integration of the animated character into live-action sequences. The production design, particularly the prison sequences and the elaborate pop-up book world, demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.

### Franchise Context
As the second installment in the Paddington franchise, the film builds upon the foundation established in the 2014 original while expanding the world and characters. The success of Paddington 2 led to the development of Paddington 3, confirming the franchise's commercial and critical viability.

### International Production
The film represents a collaboration between British and French production companies, reflecting the international nature of modern film production. This cross-border partnership contributed to the film's broad appeal and international distribution strategy.

### Music and Sound
The film features an original score that complements its whimsical tone and emotional beats. The music plays a crucial role in establishing the film's atmosphere and supporting its narrative transitions between comedy and drama.

### Marketing and Promotion
The marketing campaign for Paddington 2 emphasized its critical acclaim and family-friendly appeal. Trailers highlighted the film's humor, visual spectacle, and heartwarming story, targeting both returning fans of the first film and new audiences.

### Legacy
Paddington 2 has established itself as a modern classic in family cinema, frequently cited as one of the best films of 2017 and one of the finest family film sequels ever made. Its success has influenced subsequent family film productions and demonstrated the continued appetite for quality children's entertainment that appeals to all ages.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. IMDb
3. Letterboxd
4. The Movie Database
5. Paddington 2. Rotten Tomatoes
6. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4468740/releaseinfo)
7. [Source](http://nmhh.hu/dokumentum/198182/terjesztett_filmalkotasok_art_filmek_nyilvantartasa.xlsx)
8. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/2018-Selections.834.0.html)
9. BBC Things
10. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4468740/technical)
11. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt4468740/)
12. [Source](https://bbfc.co.uk/releases/paddington-2-2017)
13. [Source](http://www.kijkwijzer.nl/index.php?id=26&i=285616)
14. Entertainment Identifier Registry
15. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
16. [Source](http://www.cnc.fr/web/fr/rechercher-une-oeuvre/-/visa/147777)
17. [Source](http://portal.mj.gov.br/ClassificacaoIndicativa/jsps/DadosObraForm.do?select_action=&tbobra_codigo=65419)
18. Brazilian Advisory Rating System
19. [Source](https://sede.mcu.gob.es/webicaa/Ficheros/126317/34/126317/1/209.pdf)
20. [Source](http://cnc.abt.ro/registru/index.aspx?pageID=3&filmID=15693)
21. [Source](http://www.rtc.gob.mx/NuevoSitio/cine_clasif_35mm.php?cd=416)
22. Danish Film Database
23. [Source](https://norske-dubber.fandom.com/no/wiki/Paddington_2_(Film)?oldid=136578)
24. [Source](https://www.rcq.gouv.qc.ca/RCQ212AfficherFicheTech.asp?intNoFilm=406873)
25. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Paddington_2-GGMWMA)
26. TheTVDB
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28. FilmVandaag.nl