The much-anticipated “Paddington in Peru” is set to hit cinemas this November, and fans can finally relish the first trailer. This new installment sees Paddington 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 arrival, they discover Aunt Lucy is missing, having left on a mysterious quest. The Reverend Mother, played by Olivia Colman, informs them that they have no idea where she has gone.
Determined to find Aunt Lucy, Paddington ventures into the forest with the swashbuckling Hunter Cabot, portrayed by Antonio Banderas. At a trailer preview event, director Dougal Wilson explained the decision to move the setting from London to Peru. He noted that the first film introduced Paddington’s origins and his new home in London, while the second film saw him almost lose that home, solidifying his community and friendships. For the third film, it felt appropriate to return to Peru, bringing his London friends along for a new adventure and filling in some missing pieces from the previous films.
One of the highlights revealed by Wilson is that Olivia Colman has a musical number in the film, hinted at in the trailer with a brief shot of the Reverend Mother holding a guitar. The film will see the return of Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington, along with Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Madeleine Harris, and Samuel Joslin reprising their roles as the Browns. Emily Mortimer will take over the role of Mrs. Brown from Sally Hawkins, who felt it was the right time to pass the torch.
In addition to Colman and Banderas, the film introduces newcomer Carla Tous as Hunter Cabot’s daughter Gina, a role initially intended for Rachel Zegler. Dougal Wilson steps in as director, taking over from Paul King, who directed the first two films but remains involved as a writer alongside Simon Farnaby and Mark Burton. King expressed his confidence in Wilson, stating that after a decade of working on the Paddington movies, he feels protective of the character and is delighted that Wilson will guide Paddington on his third big-screen adventure.
“Paddington in Peru” is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on November 8, 2024, and in US cinemas on January 17, 2025. The trailer has generated excitement among fans, who are eager to see how the new director and cast additions will bring fresh energy to the beloved franchise.
The first two Paddington films are cherished for their heartfelt storytelling and charming direction, setting a high bar for the third installment. Wilson acknowledged the pressure of following in the footsteps of the previous films, expressing a mix of excitement and trepidation when asked to direct. He emphasized the importance of respecting the legacy of the first two films and hopes that audiences will appreciate the new adventure.
Producer Rosie Alison shared that they approached the third film with great caution, wanting to ensure there was a compelling reason to continue the story. They dug deep to find the right narrative, and when Paul King decided to focus on other projects, Dougal Wilson was their first choice. Known for his work in commercials, Wilson brings a unique visual imagination, comic timing, and a big heart to the project, qualities they felt were essential for a Paddington film.
The film also marks a change in the cast, with Emily Mortimer taking over the role of Mrs. Brown and new additions like Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas joining the ensemble. Fans are eager to see how these changes will impact the dynamic of the film and bring new dimensions to the beloved characters.
As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for “Paddington in Peru.” The trailer has already sparked excitement, promising a blend of adventure, humor, and heart that fans have come to love. With a new director at the helm and a fresh setting, the film aims to capture the magic of the first two installments while offering a new and exciting journey for Paddington and his friends.
