Paddington 3 has filled out its cast with some exciting new additions, while one beloved actor steps away from the franchise. Antonio Banderas and Rachel Zegler will join franchise newcomer Olivia Colman in the third film in the series, titled “Paddington in Peru.” Additionally, Emily Mortimer has been tapped to replace Sally Hawkins as Mrs. Brown, the family matriarch.
In a statement, Sally Hawkins expressed her excitement for Emily Mortimer taking over the role of Mrs. Brown: “For me, it has felt the right time to hand the reins over to another, and one can’t get much better than the truly wonderful Emily Mortimer, she is extraordinarily special. She will embody the essence of Mary Brown and yet make it utterly her own. However, I am, and will always be in love with Paddington’s world.”
The returning cast for Paddington 3 includes Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Madeleine Harris, and Samuel Joslin. Of course, Ben Whishaw will continue to lend his voice to the beloved Paddington Bear character, while Imelda Staunton will return as the voice of Aunt Lucy.
The official synopsis for the film reveals that Paddington’s story comes full circle as he returns to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. Accompanied by the Brown Family, a thrilling adventure unfolds when a mystery leads them on an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru.
Olivia Colman’s character in Paddington 3 will be a nun who runs the Home for Retired Bears, adding an intriguing dynamic to the story. Antonio Banderas, on the other hand, will play a dashing and intrepid riverboat captain who offers to help the Brown family on their Peruvian adventure. Rachel Zegler will portray Banderas’ daughter in the film.
“Dougal Wilson, an award-winning commercial and music video director, will make his feature debut with Paddington in Peru,” the third installment in the beloved franchise. The film will be produced by Heyday and StudioCanal, with filming taking place on location in London and Peru.
StudioCanal has fully backed the movie and will release Paddington in Peru in the U.K., France, Germany, Benelux, Australia/New Zealand, and Poland. Sony Pictures holds the rights for the rest of the world, excluding Russia, China, and Japan.
The Paddington movies have been both a commercial and critical success for StudioCanal, grossing over $500 million at the worldwide box office. With a 97 percent and 99 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes for the first two films, they have also achieved cult status. Recently, the movies were even referenced in the plot of Nicolas Cage’s film, “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.” Furthermore, Paddington Bear participated in Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebration, earning a BAFTA honor.
Fans of the lovable bear can look forward to another heartwarming and adventurous story in Paddington 3. With an expanded cast, including talented actors like Antonio Banderas, Rachel Zegler, and Olivia Colman, the film promises to captivate audiences worldwide. Filming in London and Peru adds an immersive element to the story, as Paddington embarks on a journey back to his roots. Stay tuned for more updates on the highly anticipated release of Paddington 3.