Warner Bros. is teaming again with “Harry Potter” producer David Heyman to bring another British kids classic to the big screen — Paddington Bear.
Variety says Hamish McColl (Mr. Bean’s Holiday) is writing the screenplay for a live-action movie based on Michael Bond’s series of books for young children about a talking bear who’s adopted by a London family when they find him lost at Paddington Station.
Heyman, who is producing through his London-based Heyday Films, commented, “Paddington Bear is a universally loved character, and I have wanted to bring him to screen for some years. Michael Bond’s ‘Paddington’ books have such wit, wonder and charm. Essentially, Paddington’s story is that of an immigrant arriving in London and trying to find a home and a family. Above all, I love Paddington’s unique style of comedy.”
Bond published 11 “Paddington” books between 1958 and 1979. They were adapted into a popular BBC animated TV series in the 1970s.
The Warner film will not be adapted from any specific book but will draw inspiration from the whole series. It’s likely to be live action with a CGI bear in the manner of “Stuart Little.”
