AceShowbiz - The U.S. release date for "Paddington in Peru" has been postponed by Sony Pictures. Originally scheduled for January 17, 2025, the beloved bear's adventure will now hit theaters on February 14, 2025.

Directed by Dougal Wilson, "Paddington in Peru" features Ben Whishaw returning as the voice of the titular bear. The film follows Paddington and the Brown family as they travel to Peru to find his missing Aunt Lucy.

The shift in release date was made after the film's successful international debut in the United Kingdom. Grossing £9.65 million ($12.4 million) in its first weekend, "Paddington in Peru" achieved the highest opening weekend for a British film since "No Time to Die" in 2021.

Despite the delay, Sony is confident that "Paddington in Peru" will be a hit in the U.S. as well. The previous two films in the franchise grossed over $600 million worldwide.

The film's release date was moved to Valentine's Day weekend to take advantage of a double holiday weekend with increased family attendance. This strategy was employed to capitalize on the large number of K-12 students out of school and seeking entertainment.

The "Paddington" franchise, based on the children's books by Michael Bond, has garnered critical acclaim for its wit, charm, and wholesome storytelling. The new installment promises to continue the legacy, featuring an all-star cast that includes Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas.