Paddington In Peru – Release Date, Cast, Director, And More Info
Who doesn't love Paddington, the cuddly bear who emigrated from darkest Peru all the way to the bustling streets of London in search of a new home and an adoring family to take him in? Based on the immensely popular children's books by the late author Michael Bond, with the main character voiced to perfection by actor Ben Whishaw, "Paddington" becoming a live-action franchise was just about the biggest no-brainer of a decision any studio ever had to make. It paid off big time when the 2014 movie released to overwhelmingly positive reviews and led to a sequel three years later that inspired even more rapturous reactions — one that inspired many a seasoned movie-watching veteran to throw around the M-word (masterpiece!) with complete and utter sincerity. Everyone, even the most stubborn and cold-hearted grump, comes around on Paddington eventually!
Ever since "Paddington 2" graced the big screen in 2017, fans and critics alike have clamored for a follow-up that would continue the adventures of Paddington and his adopted family. After years of little to no movement, those dreams finally became a reality with the announcement of a third "Paddington" movie that was eventually revealed to be titled, fittingly enough, "Paddington in Peru." Updates flew fast and furious in the months afterwards, marking quite a turnaround from the years of cautiously guarded comments about the progress of "Paddington 3" and the long stretches of radio silence that preceded the news.
But with production back on track, much of the original cast reprising their roles, and a release date shared with the public, we can now look forward to a fresh batch of tweets from the "I Photoshop Paddington into a movie, game, or TV show until I forget" account. Okay, there's that and a third installment of everyone's favorite marmalade-guzzling, sandwich-loving bear.
When does Paddington in Peru premiere?
StudioCanal announced the exciting news that fans can expect "Paddington in Peru" to release in theaters in the next year or so. For audiences in the UK, the threequel will arrive early on November 8, 2024. Those of us who reside Stateside will have to wait just a little while longer, however. Two months after its UK release, "Paddington in Peru" comes to the United States on January 17, 2025 to help ring in the new year.
But while us entitled Americans might cry foul over having to wait so long for the movie to come to our shores ("Tell us about it," the rest of the world probably just said in unison) this staggered release mostly lines up with franchise tradition, however. Both "Paddington" and "Paddington 2" dropped into theaters during November in the UK, followed by January releases in the US. We've done this before, folks, and we can do it again. When the wait begins to get unbearable, just think to yourselves: "What would Paddington do?"
What are the plot details of Paddington in Peru?
He's been a house-crasher, a jailbird, and stands proudly as one of our most shining examples of the importance of the immigrant experience, so what's left for Paddington to do in a third outing? Why, it only makes sense for him to return to where it all started in the first place: Peru. That's right, Paddington is set to finally come home again in the upcoming "Paddington in Peru." While his country of origin holds unpleasant memories of his dear Uncle Pastuzo (Michael Gambon) killed in a freak earthquake early on in the first film, his Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) still resides there in the Home for Retired Bears. Although no official plot details have yet been released, the title makes it abundantly clear that the premise of the story will involve Paddington traveling back home to reunite with his Aunt — hopefully with the Brown family in tow. In fact, Variety previously reported that this would be the case, stating that:
The story will follow Paddington returning to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. Paddington and the Brown Family embark on an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru.
Who is in the cast of Paddington in Peru?
As much as Ben Whishaw's voice acting fully embodies the spirit, pluckiness, charm, and politeness of Paddington, the good-hearted bear would've gotten nowhere without the help and the affection of the Brown family that took him in. Luckily, he won't be alone during his return trip back to Peru as Whishaw will be joined by original cast members Imelda Staunton as Aunt Lucy, Hugh Bonneville as Mr. Brown, Madeleine Harris as Judy Brown, Samuel Joslin as Jonathan Brown, and Julie Walters as housekeeper Mrs. Bird. Unfortunately, the delightful and talented Sally Hawkins won't be returning as Mrs. Brown, instead stepping aside in favor of actor Emily Mortimer.
They'll be joined by an impressive stable of new faces to the franchise, however, including Olivia Colman as a character named Reverend Mother, described by Variety as "a blithe and sunny guitar-playing nun who runs the home for retired bears," and Antonio Banderas as Hunter Cabot, "a dashing and intrepid riverboat captain who offers to help the Brown family on their Peruvian adventure." In another instance of cast-related musical chairs, however, new addition and rapidly-rising star Rachel Zegler will no longer be part of the film. Originally playing the role of Cabot's daughter Gina, the currently ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike meant that Zegler would be unable to remain on board the production, according to another report by Variety.
Who is the director of Paddington in Peru?
In perhaps the biggest shake-up of "Paddington in Peru," franchise director and co-writer Paul King (the upcoming "Wonka") will no longer be a part of the picture this time around. Although he still receives story credit on the third film and is listed as an executive producer, King steps down from the director's chair in favor of first-time director Dougal Wilson. In a statement (via Deadline), King had this to say about his departure:
"After ten years of working on the 'Paddington' movies, I feel absurdly protective of the little bear, and I'm delighted that Dougal will be there to hold his paw as he embarks on his third big screen adventure. Dougal's work is never less than astounding: funny, beautiful, heartfelt, imaginative, and totally original. Aunt Lucy once asked us to 'Please Look After This Bear.' I know Dougal will do so admirably."
There's more high praise to come. Producer David Heyman chimed in and lauded Wilson's hiring:
"After an exacting search, we're delighted that the brilliant Dougal Wilson will be directing the third 'Paddington' film. A much-garlanded legend within the commercials world, we have long admired Dougal's virtuoso work, and his gift for directing with heart, humor, surprise, and vivid imaginative flair. He's a wonderfully inventive kindred spirit for Paddington's latest adventure with the Browns, and we're thrilled to be working with him."
As for Wilson, he also released a statement about joining the beloved franchise:
"As a huge fan of the first two films, I am very excited (if not a little intimidated) to be continuing the story of Paddington. It's a massive responsibility, but all my efforts will be focused on making a third film that honors the love so many people have for this very special bear."
Who are the writers and producers of Paddington in Peru?
Despite the switch in director, "Paddington in Peru" will feature a number of creatives who are well familiar with the world and characters of "Paddington." From a story credited to "Paddington" and "Paddington 2" collaborators Paul King, Simon Farnaby, and Mark Burton, the script for "Peru" is written by Burton, Jon Foster, and James Lamont. David Heyman and Rosie Alison serve as producers on the project along with co-producer Rob Silva. Meanwhile, Paul King, Tim Wellspring, Jeffrey Clifford, Anna Marsh, and Ron Halpern are all credited as executive producers on the film.
Has Paddington in Peru released a trailer?
Having only just started production in July of 2023, "Paddington in Peru" has yet to reveal any actual footage from the movie just yet. However, Sony did release an announcement teaser featuring Paddington wiping the screen of some warm, sticky marmalade in front of a stunning vista of the forests and mountains of Peru. Fans will have to wait a little longer for the official trailer, which will likely drop sometime in 2024. Until then, keep an eye on /Film for more updates as they come in.