Operators can expect another boost in popularity of the BANDAI NAMCO Amusement Europe’s (BNAE) Paddington Plush range with next year’s premiere of Nick Jr.’s brand-new CG-animated series The Adventures of Paddington.
The pre-school series is set to air in March 2020 and focusses on a younger Paddington Bear and the adventures he goes on. Ben Whishaw, of Paddington 1 & 2, will reprise his role as the voice of the title character and star alongside a whole host of excellent new cast members. Adding more excitement to the release of The Adventures of Paddington is the brand-new theme song “Paddington Bear” written and performed by Gary Barlow of Take That fame.
Alongside the premiere of the series, there will also be short-form content, activities and games released on NickJr.co.uk and the Nick Jr. App. This is sure to make the Paddington Bear character more popular and recognisable than ever and the boost in profile is expected to create high demand for the BNAE Paddington plush series throughout 2020. Operators can expect to see players, especially those with younger children, aiming to win this character that has captured the British imagination since it first appeared in 1958. As well as the plush, BNAE’s Paddington range also includes a number of other gifts such as mugs, key chains, watches and glass masonry jars, meaning a broad range of players can take this loveable character home.
“Coming off the back of the hugely successful film series, this new animated series aimed at a younger audience is sure to be a smash hit. And we expect this popularity to be reflected in players’ interest in our Paddington range, which give customers of all ages the chance to take home this iconic British character.” Says Darrell Simmonds, EMEA Sales Manager, prize division. “It’s likely that operators will see an increased demand for the Paddington range of prizes as this iconic character is brought to new audiences.”
Paddington Bear has thrilled audiences for more than 60 years, ever since his creation by British-born writer Michael Bond. The books that this bear from Darkest Peru originally appeared in have been adapted for television several times with Paddington making his big-screen debut in 2014, with a sequel following shortly after in 2017. The charm and humour that runs through the Paddington stories is what has secured their ongoing popularity and what makes the plush character such a sought-after prize. So sought-after, in fact, that the first shipment of Paddington plush prizes sold out immediately – but don’t worry, there will be more in January, giving operators plenty of time to get them stocked before The Adventures of Paddington releases in March.