SPIN Master Corp. and Nickelodeon Movies announced Wednesday that “PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie” will receive an exclusive theatrical release Oct. 13, 2023. Paramount Pictures will distribute. The popular preschool franchise is also expanding on the small screen: Nickelodeon and Spin Master are plotting a “PAW Patrol” television spinoff series based on a fan-favorite pup that will likewise debut in 2023. The dual announcement follows the sleeper success of “PAW Patrol: The Movie,” which grossed more than US$135 million at the global box office in late summer of this year despite a simultaneous debut on Paramount+. The film’s performance even played a role in a dramatic regime change that saw Nickelodeon CEO Brain Robbins succeed Jim Gianopulos as chief of Paramount Pictures (Robbins remains at the helm of Nick as well). “We loved telling a deeper ‘PAW Patrol’ story on a bigger canvas and are pleased that the movie connected so strongly with kids and families around the world,” Spin Master president Jennifer Dodge said in a statement. “Just as the first movie’s success in theaters and streaming confirmed the franchise’s status and power as a top, globally loved franchise, this second theatrical release paired with the property’s very first television spin-off will mark another major step in creating a universe of characters and stories to reach even more fans everywhere,” said Robbins. Veteran animation director Cal Brunker will return to direct the sequel.(SD-Agencies) | 