The live-action children’s adaptation was arguably the highlight of the Weinsteins’ Cannes sizzle reel presentation and has received a vote of faith as it moves from December 12 into prime holiday season.

Paul King directs from his screenplay adaptation of Michael Bond’s classic story about a British family that adopts a cuddly talking bear from “darkest Peru.”

David Heyman produces and Colin Firth voices Paddington and the cast includes Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi and Nicole Kidman.

TWC has also switched Juan Jose Campanella’s Latin American animated hit Underdogs from August 27 this year to January 16 2015.  

Thriller The Coup starring Owen Wilson, Pierce Brosnan and Lake Bell will open wide on March 6, 2015.