Paddington Bway Transfer Possible? - Page 2

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 12/1/25 at 10:49am

inception said: "It could take a very long time to recoup in North America. Last year's film Paddington in Perus did very well in the UK but only grossed $45.8 million in North America. It dropped out if thectop ten at the American box office in its sixth week according to Wikipedia.

Disney should just steal the puppet tech & do a Winnie the Pooh show."

To be fair, it had a very bizarre release schedule, premiering in the States three months after its release in the UK with very little fanfare. I remember seeing all the press coverage when it opened in the UK and then continually wondering about its US release until it came and went with, what felt to me, barely (bearly?) any promotion. 
 

Update: it actually looks like Paddington in Peru made more than Paddington 2 in the US, proving everyone’s point that it’s just not a super popular property here. 

Updated On: 12/1/25 at 10:49 AM

[Kad]

Posted: 12/1/25 at 10:53am

It may not be as beloved an IP here, but I do think the feat and spectacle of the bear itself could be a major draw. And unlike other examples, it’s something that can leave the theater and go onto talk shows and social media and events and become its own selling point and spokesbear. It’s essentially star casting without a star. 

[witchoftheeast2]

Posted: 12/1/25 at 10:57am

If anything it should have a short run on Broadway to see if it has a positive reception there, with extensions built in if it gets good reviews 

[binau]

Posted: 12/1/25 at 11:22am

witchoftheeast2 said: "If anything it should have a short run on Broadway to see if it has a positive reception there, with extensions built in if it gets good reviews"

This isn't how the economics work for these large shows, the only way to make it financially viable would be to plan a long run. 

 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 12/1/25 at 11:23am

Kad said: "It may not be as beloved an IP here, but I do think the feat and spectacle of the bear itself could be a major draw. And unlike other examples, it’s something that can leave the theater and go onto talk shows and social media and events and become its own selling point and spokesbear. It’s essentially star casting without a star."

I agree. I think the hype, plus the show would sell it very well and it would be an instant family staple. 

[Jarethan]

Posted: 12/1/25 at 11:25am

witchoftheeast2 said: "If anything it should have a short run on Broadway to see if it has a positive reception there, with extensions built in if it gets good reviews"

I don't understand how that would make any sense.  i would assume that he upfront investment for the same quality production to run three months would be the same as to run for years...maybe a little difference re advertising, but the physical production, rehearsal costs, etc., would be the same, wouldn't they?

I have to admit that I am in the camp that doesn't think this would be a slam dunk.  Paddington is not part of the culture here the way it is in England.  At the projected budget, it needs to do capacity business for a long time (couple of years?)  at full prices.  It may be my bias, but seeing a musical about the Paddington bear doesn't hit my 'gotta get tickets right away' buttons, great reviews or not.

[Observation]

Posted: 12/1/25 at 11:48am

I hope this transfers.

I think people are craving a well produced, directed, and written feel good show. 

[DaveyG]

Posted: 12/1/25 at 11:54am

inception said: "Yup I can't see it working long term in NY. It will be like Stranger Things. It might start strong but won't stay there long term."

IMHO, the colossal difference between Stranger Things and Paddington: Stranger Things is a terrible play with some cool effects. Paddington is absolutely wonderful. Yes, Paddington will cost a fortune to mount on Broadway but I think it has a shot to run for years. 

Updated On: 12/1/25 at 11:54 AM