Warner Bros. to release 'Paddington 2' in North America

Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Warner Bros. Pictures announced Wednesday it will release Paddington 2 -- a live-action and animated hybrid film -- in North America on Jan. 12.

The studio acquired the U.S. and Canadian distribution rights for the family flick from Studiocanal and The Weinstein Co./Dimension Films. The future of TWC is unclear since the company's co-founder, Harvey Weinstein, was ousted last month amid allegations of sexual harassment.

Ben Whishaw is back for Paddington 2 as the voice of the titular bear and Imelda Staunton lends her vocal talents to the character of Aunt Lucy, the relative who raised him.

Hugh Grant and Brendan Gleeson joined the ensemble for the second chapter in the franchise, which is based on Michael Bond's classic children's stories. Returning from the first film are Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin.

"Paddington 2 continues the story of the enduringly popular little bear in the trademark blue coat and red hat that touched audiences worldwide," a press release said. "It opened Nov. 10 in the United Kingdom to enthusiastic audiences and universally positive reviews, outpacing its predecessor's opening weekend numbers by over 60 percent."