Paddington in Peru, the third film in the Paddington franchise, is set to add Oscar winner Olivia Colman to its cast. Colman is in talks to play a role in the StudioCanal feature about the beloved bear. Ben Whishaw has been the longtime voice of Paddington, who in past films was seen getting into adventures with the Brown family. While exact plot details are being kept under wraps, the movie will see Paddington travel from his home in London to his native home of “darkest Peru.”
Sources reveal that Colman’s character will run a retirement home for bears in Peru. This is an interesting addition to the storyline as Paddington’s Aunt Lucy lives in The Home for Retired Bears. Colman’s character may play a significant role in Paddington’s journey and development.
Paddington in Peru will mark the feature debut of Dougal Wilson, an award-winning commercial and music video director. The film is being produced by Heyday and StudioCanal, with filming scheduled to take place in London and Peru. The production team aims to capture the authenticity and beauty of both locations to create an immersive experience for audiences.
StudioCanal, fully backing the movie, plans to 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. This international release strategy reflects the widespread popularity of the Paddington franchise and highlights its appeal to audiences around the globe.
The Paddington movies have been both a commercial and critical success for StudioCanal. With a worldwide box office gross of over $500 million, the first two films have delighted audiences and garnered positive reviews. The films have achieved cult status and have received high ratings on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Their impact is evident in their inclusion as a plot reference in Nicolas Cage’s film, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, and their participation in Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebration, which earned a BAFTA honor.
Olivia Colman’s inclusion in the cast further adds to the film’s prestige. Colman earned an Oscar for her role in Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Favourite and has since received multiple nominations for her outstanding performances. Her ability to seamlessly transition between commercial projects and prestigious films makes her a versatile and sought-after actress. Recently, she has appeared in the breakout Netflix series Heartbreaker, Marvel’s Secret Invasion, Sam Mendes’ Empire of Light, and BBC’s Great Expectations. Colman’s upcoming projects include the Willy Wonka origin story, Wonka, alongside Timothee Chalamet, and the StudioCanal feature Wicked Little Letters.
Colman is represented by CAA, the U.K.’s United, and Johnson Shapiro, highlighting her global appeal and widespread recognition as a talent in the industry. Her involvement in Paddington in Peru only adds to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the film.
Overall, Paddington in Peru promises to be another heartwarming and entertaining addition to the Paddington franchise. With the addition of Olivia Colman to the cast and Dougal Wilson making his feature debut as the director, fans can expect a captivating and visually stunning film that will continue to delight audiences of all ages. The film’s international release further solidifies the Paddington franchise’s status as a beloved and enduring cultural phenomenon.