"Paddington 3" — now titled "Paddington in Peru" — will see everyone's favorite marmalade-loving bear returning to our screens for his third adventure. After taking on two nefarious villains in the form of Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant in his past two outings, this third feature sees Paddington Bear heading back to Peru for a third flick.
The franchise was previously helmed by director Paul King, though as he stepped away to shoot "Wonka" with Timothée Chalamet, Dougal Wilson has taken over behind the camera this time around.
When a production date was set last year, King said: "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." (via Deadline).
Since the above change was confirmed, we've learned which stars will feature, and the first trailer has given us our clearest look yet at what kind of trouble Paddington will get wrapped in this time around. Here's everything we know about "Paddington 3" right now...
'Paddington 3' release date: When is 'Paddington in Peru' coming out?
It's been six years since the beloved bear was last on the big screen, but "Paddington 3" finally has a confirmed release date! The new movie will hit UK theaters first, arriving on November 8, 2024.
Viewers outside of Paddington's home country will have to wait slightly longer to catch his next adventure. Now the trailer is out (more on that below), we know the movie will hit US theaters on January 17, 2025.
Adventure awaits! #PaddingtonInPeru is coming exclusively to theaters in 2025. pic.twitter.com/ycjO4lfyewOctober 23, 2023
'Paddington 3' plot
"Paddington in Peru" sees the adventurous bear heading back home, to pay a visit to his beloved Aunt Lucy.
The synopsis reads: "Paddington in Peru" brings Paddington's story to Peru as he returns to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown Family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru."
'Paddington 3' cast
The "Paddington 3" cast largely features the same core cast (and a few new names), barring one major exception: Sally Hawkins will not be returning to play Paddington's mother, Mrs. Brown. She's being replaced by Emily Mortimer, whom you might know from Apple TV Plus' "The New Look".
"For me it has felt the right time to hand the reins over to another", Hawkins said in a 2023 statement to Variety, "and one can't get much better than the truly wonderful Emily Mortimer, she is extraordinary special. However, I am, and will always be in love with Paddington’s world. I already greatly miss my on and off-screen family — the experience of making the first two films has truly been some of the best and most creative times I have had in the world of film. They both gave me so much joy. I will forever hold them so very close to my heart indeed."
In addition, we know that Olivia Colman has joined the fanchise to play the 'blithe and sunny guitar-playing nun' in charge of Aunt Lucy's home for retired bears, whilst Antonio Banderas is playing a riverboat captain, Hunter Cabot.
Rachel Zegler was at one point attached to play Cabot's daughter, Gina, though as she was not able to join the shoot due to the Hollywood strikes, her role has been played by newcomer, Carla Tous.
The full confirmed cast list includes:
- Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington Bear
- Imelda Staunton as the voice of Paddington's Aunt Lucy
- Hugh Bonneville as Mr Brown
- Emily Mortimer as Mrs Brown
- Julie Walters as Mrs Bird
- Madeleine Harris as Judy Brown
- Samuel Joslin as Jonathan Brown
- Jim Broadbent as Mr Gruber
- Olivia Colman as the Reverend Mother
- Antonio Banderas as Hunter Cabot
- Carla Tous as Gina
Is there a 'Paddington 3' trailer yet?
Yes! The first "Paddington in Peru" trailer arrived on June 12, and sets the stakes for Paddington Bear's third adventure. After a classic mishap in a photo booth, he and the Brown family jet off to Peru to meet with Aunt Lucy. But when he arrives, the nun in charge of the Home for Retired Bears informs him that Lucy has disappeared on a quest. So, the Browns and their new friends attempt to follow in her footsteps and head into the jungle. As you might expect, chaos ensues. Check out the "Paddington 3" trailer below:
