There are few things more quintessentially British than Paddington Bear.
The little guy travelled from Peru to Paddington station and in the upcoming third instalment, it seems he is heading back to his roots.
After an unbelievable five-year wait since Paddington 2 dropped in 2017, there has finally been a major update on part three in the form of a new director.
Fans of the franchise are used to the long waits, as the original film was announced way back in 2007 but didn’t premiere until 2014.
Long waits for animated sequels aren’t uncommon, as the award-winning 2018 hit Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse’s sequel is taking five years to debut in 2023 – Across The Spiderverse.
Fans last saw Paddington sharing a marmalade sandwich and a cup of tea with the Queen for the Platinum Jubilee.
Now he is leaving Buckingham Palace to go on an adventure thousands of miles away.
What is the title of Paddington 3?
Paddington 3 has been confirmed to be titled Paddington In Peru, ditching the numerical continuation.
Mark Burton, James Lamont and Jon Foster are penning the script, which will see the marmalade-loving bear leave his beloved streets of London and explore his homeland of Peru.
Other than that, the plot is completely unknown, though it is bound to introduce fans to more bears than just Aunt Lucy like in the second chapter.
Who is directing Paddington 3?
Award-winning commercials director Dougal Wilson is helming the third instalment.
It will be his theatrical debut after an extensive career in advert and music video direction.
Paul King, who directed the first two films, has a busy schedule, with the director currently overseeing Wonka, the Charlie And The Chocolate Factory prequel starring Timothee Chalamet.
As such, he was unavailable for the third Paddington outing, with producers StudioCanal opting for Dougal to take over the project.
Dougal said: “As a huge fan of the first two films, I am very excited (if not a little intimidated) to be continuing the story of Paddington.
“It’s a massive responsibility, but all my efforts will be focussed on making a third film that honours the love so many people have for this very special bear.”
Paul added: “After 10 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.”
What is the release date for Paddington 3?
There is no release date yet for Paddington In Peru, though pre-production is now well underway.
Full production is set for later in 2022, which would put it on track for a 2024 or maybe even 2025 premiere.
Which cast members are returning for Paddington 3?
Ben Whishaw will return as the voice of Paddington, as even though the sequel has taken a long time to materialise, he is still close to the bear.
He worked with StudioCanal again for the animated Nickelodeon series The Adventures of Paddington, which will keep fans at bay while they wait for part three.
On voicing the character, he said: "It's very disappointing. Occasionally a parent will point out me to a child and I can see the bafflement on their faces, because how can I possibly be Paddington?
“It doesn't make any sense to them. And to try to explain that I'm the voice of Paddington is even more confusing for their minds. Bless them."
He voiced the role as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee sketch, so he clearly wants to remain a part of the franchise.
The Brown family led by Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins also seems set for a reappearance.
However, as this is set in Peru, it is unknown who could be travelling with Paddington over there, if anyone.
There could be a whole new cast of characters orbiting Paddington in the sequel.
