The highly anticipated “Paddington 3,” officially titled “Paddington in Peru,” is set to hit cinemas this November, and fans are buzzing with excitement after the release of the first trailer. The new film sees Paddington, the beloved marmalade-loving bear, embark on an adventure to Peru with the Brown family and Mrs. Bird to visit Aunt Lucy at the Home for Retired Bears. However, upon their arrival, they discover that Aunt Lucy has mysteriously disappeared on a quest, as revealed by the Reverend Mother, played by Olivia Colman.
Olivia Colman’s character, the Reverend Mother, adds a new layer of intrigue to the story. She informs Paddington and his companions that Aunt Lucy has left on an unknown quest, prompting Paddington to venture into the forest with the swashbuckling Hunter Cabot, portrayed by Antonio Banderas, in search of his beloved aunt. The trailer teases a thrilling journey through the Amazon rainforest and the mountain peaks of Peru, promising an adventure filled with heartwarming moments and unexpected twists.
Director Dougal Wilson, who takes over from Paul King, shared insights into the decision to set the third film in Peru. He explained that while the first film introduced Paddington’s origins and his journey to London, and the second film focused on him almost losing his home but solidifying his community, the third film aims to explore Paddington’s roots further. By taking his London friends and community to Peru, the film seeks to fill in the missing pieces of Paddington’s backstory.
One of the most exciting revelations from the trailer is that Olivia Colman’s character has a musical number, adding a delightful twist to her role as the Reverend Mother. The brief glimpse of her with a guitar in a Sound of Music-esque shot hints at a memorable performance that fans are eagerly anticipating.
The film also marks the return of familiar faces, including Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington, Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Madeleine Harris, and Samuel Joslin as the Browns. However, there is a notable change in the cast, with Emily Mortimer taking over the role of Mrs. Brown from Sally Hawkins, who felt it was the right time to pass the torch.
In addition to Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas, the film introduces newcomer Carla Tous as Hunter Cabot’s daughter, Gina, a role initially intended for Rachel Zegler. The ensemble cast promises a dynamic and engaging experience for audiences.
Dougal Wilson, known for his work on advertisements and music videos, expressed his excitement and trepidation about directing his first feature film. He acknowledged the high bar set by the previous films and the challenge of living up to the expectations of fans. However, he is confident that the new setting and storyline will bring a fresh and exciting perspective to the beloved franchise.
The film’s production team includes David Heyman and Rosie Alison as producers, with Paul King, Anna Marsh, Ron Halpern, Dan MacRae, Tim Wellspring, Jeffrey Clifford, and Naoya Kinoshita serving as executive producers. The screenplay is penned by Mark Burton, Jon Foster, and James Lamont, with the story by Paul King, Simon Farnaby, and Mark Burton, based on the children’s stories by British author Michael Bond.
“Paddington in Peru” is set to be released in UK cinemas on November 8, 2024, and in US cinemas on January 17, 2025. The film is produced by Heyday Films and fully financed and released by StudioCanal in various regions, including the UK, France, Germany, Benelux, Poland, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as through partners in China and Japan.
As the release date approaches, fans can look forward to more updates and sneak peeks into the film. The trailer has already set the stage for an exciting and heartwarming adventure, and Olivia Colman’s portrayal of the Reverend Mother is sure to be a highlight. With a blend of familiar characters and new faces, “Paddington in Peru” promises to be a delightful addition to the beloved franchise.
