Hachette Jeunesse Named French Language Publisher for Paddington

Hachette Jeunesse has announced it has been appointed publisher of the French-language titles for the Paddington films and TV series, developed and produced by Studiocanal. Publishing rights were acquired from HarperCollins Children’s Books UK, the publishers of Michael Bond’s original Paddington titles since the first book. The deal includes the third movie, “Paddington in Peru,” set to release in the U.K. on Nov. 8 and in France on Feb. 5.

Studiocanal, through The Copyrights Group, owns the global IP of Paddington.

“We are extremely pleased to have appointed Hachette Jeunesse as our French language partner for Paddington’s film and TV series content,” says Juliette Clark, rights director, HarperCollins Children’s Books. “Paddington is a very special bear, and we are proud to have published his adventures continuously since ‘A Bear Called Paddington’ was launched in 1958.”

“We are thrilled to become the French publisher of Paddington TV series and movies and to join the family of such a beloved and iconic character,” says Myriam Héricier, director, Hachette Jeuness e Licences. “We are eager to start this adventure with Studiocanal’s anticipated movie, ‘Paddington in Peru,’ expected in France in February.”

“This exciting deal is yet further proof of the global growth of the iconic British character of Paddington,” says Françoise Guyonnet, chief executive officer, Copyrights Group. “His stories are timeless, and his appeal is universal – we are so thrilled that his film and TV adventures in French have found a home with the talented team at Hachette Jeunesse.”