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| Life-size statues of Paddington Bear have been appearing all over the UK capital.(Source: CNTV.cn) |
BEIJING, Nov. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Life-size statues of Paddington Bear have been appearing all over the UK capital, part of a revival of interest in the children's book and TV classic, which includes a new exhibition at the Museum of London, and even a new movie. But will the shops be stocking up on marmalade sandwiches?
The lost little bear from deepest, darkest Peru is now the star of an upcoming feature film, simply called "Paddington".
In charge of production is David Heyman, producer of Harry Potter.
The original stories were written nearly 60 years ago, and were later adapted for a hit TV series in the 1970s and 80s.
Paddington is named after Paddington Station in London, where he first arrives with a note saying "please look after this bear". He's later adopted by the Brown family...and that's where his adventures really begin, including his well known love of marmalade sandwiches.
Ahead of his cinematic debut, 50 life-size statues have been erected all around London, each one designed by a celebrity or artist.
"The thing with younger children is, they don't register the fact that something is old fashioned, I'm not going to watch it because it's old fashioned, they just see the story, it's a bear that talks and eats marmalade sandwiches, it's appealing," says a woman.
"All the Paddington Bears they're from a different artist and every bear has a personality," says a woman.
Karen Jankel is the daughter of Paddington creator Michael Bond. He's said to have based Paddington on a cuddly bear he bought for his wife.
"Paddington is so real to us and a member of the family, we're really the same age, so yes it was like having a brother I suppose. And I took this bear with me high up into the Andes and I was the first person in our family to ever go to Peru, so it was a pretty special experience and he's even got his rucksack on the back with his initials so he's pretty special," says Jankel.
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