Movie fans old and young are celebrating on social media this afternoon, after hearing that filming for Paddington 3 will begin this summer.
It's been a painful six-year wait for fans of the animation bear, who have been eager to catch up on the next instalment following on from 2017's Paddington 2 - and the giveaway title of the movie; Paddington in Peru suggests that little old Paddy will return to his country of birth for more wacky on-screen antics.
The team are said to be shooting both in Peru and London from July 24, in the first on-screen appearance for Michael Bond's character since the late Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee last June..
Read more: Man sells rare 50p Paddington Bear coin on eBay for £1,500
In that segment, Paddington and the Queen enjoyed afternoon tea and a staple marmalade sandwich at Buckingham Palace - with a lack of courtesy and etiquette from the beloved bear on show in comical fashion.
Deadline reports that the third instalment will be produced by Studiocanal, who will collaborate with Heyday - who created the first two movies of the saga, as well as the beloved Harry Potter series.
Speaking on the exciting new movie, Studiocanal CEO Anna Marsh, and EVP Global Production Ron Halpern said: “We have long been huge admirers of Dougal’s work, his stunning visual creativity, his storytelling, heart, emotion and humour. We are so thrilled that Dougal will be directing the third Paddington film.
"We look forward to bringing Paddington back to Peru for his next big screen adventure.”
Director of Paddington 1 and 2, Paul King, added: “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.”
And fans of the franchise quickly took to social media to express their joy at the return of the favoured family-friendly bear. One, wrote: "LETS GOOOOO," while another, added: "So excited for this actually."
A third, went on: "Oh my goodness! Counting the days!!!" with a fourth, continuing: "Hooray!"
Someone else, said: "THIS, has made my day, especially as I was feeling glum . Woohoo."
Read next:
- Experts hope that energy bills will start to fall from the summer onwards
- Thousands of energy vouchers not cashed in as deadline passes
- Energy crisis: Can your energy company move you to a prepay meter to clear debt?
- Five energy companies with 'severe weaknesses' named and shamed by Ofgem
- Almost two million families will get an extra £200 towards their heating bills
