Paddington in Peru is set to bring the wait for a third Paddington movie to a close, seven years on from his past adventure - and now we have a sneak peek into what the film will be like as the first look images have arrived.
As you might expect from the title, Paddington 3 will see our plucky ursine pal swapping the streets of London for his home country of Peru. There, he'll be reunited with his beloved Aunt Lucy who's taken up residence at the Home for Retired Bears.
We learned that Paddington in Peru was finally entering production back in Spring 2023. At the time, director Dougal Wilson (who has taken over from Paul King) 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".
Here's what we know about Paddington in Peru right now...
Paddington in Peru release date
Paddington in Peru actually has two release dates. Paddington fans in the UK can join the loveable bear on his third adventure when it hits cinemas on November 8, 2024.
Unfortunately, US viewers will have to wait an extra couple of months for his latest caper, as Sony Pictures has slated the film for release on January 17, 2025.
The news came in October 2023 and was accompanied by a delightful clip of Paddington Bear mopping up marmalade off our screens with his paws.
While we wait for Paddington in Peri to hit theaters, be sure to check out our guide to the new movies still to come in 2023.
Paddington in Peru poster
On Thursday, September 12 an official movie poster was released for the film, showing Paddington in a bit of a pickle as he hangs off the side of a boat with nothing but an umbrella to save him from the choppy waters below. Behind him are the Brown family, along with movie newcomers Olivia Colman as the Reverend Mother and Antonio Banderas as riverboat captain, Hunter Cabot.
Paddington in Peru trailer
The trailer for Paddington in Peru has arrived, and it was definitely worth the wait. In the trailer we see Paddington trying (and failing!) to get his passport photo taken in Paddington Station so that he can go and visit Aunt Lucy in the Home for Retired Bears in Peru.
Soon he is on a mission to visit his beloved Aunt, but once they arrive in deepest, darkest Peru, Lucy is nowhere to be found. Soon Paddington and the Browns are on a mission to track her down... with hilarious consequences, of course. This is Paddington, after all!
You can watch the trailer below...
Paddington in Peru plot
The Paddington in Peru plot synopsis from StudioCanal reads: "Directed by award-winning Dougal Wilson, Paddington in Peru brings Paddington’s story full circle as he returns to Peru 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 in Peru cast
Most of the gang is back for Paddington in Peru, though there have been a few key changes.
Sally Hawkins has departed the franchise and has been replaced as Mrs Brown by Emily Mortimer (Mary Poppins Returns, Doll & Em).
Talking about the role change, Hawkins said in a statement: "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. 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, Rachel Zegler (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, West Side Story) has been replaced by newcomer Carla Tous, who will play the role of Gina Cabot. Zegler was due to star, but could not join the film due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.
On the bright side, Ben Whishaw and Imelda Staunton are back as the voices of Paddington Bear and Aunt Lucy, respectively. Meanwhile, Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, and Jim Broadbent are due to return.
There are two more big stars joining the cast, too, in the form of Olivia Colman (Great Expectations, Heartstopper) and Antonio Banderas (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish).
Colman will play the Reverend Mother, a character described as 'a blithe and sunny guitar-playing nun who runs the Home for Retired Bears. Meanwhile, Antonio Banderas is due to play a dashing riverboat captain known as Hunter Cabot who helps the Browns during their adventure in Peru.
Who is directing Paddington in Peru?
Paul King (Paddington 1&2 director) has handed over the reins to Dougal Wilson. King said of the transition: "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."
When the release date was confirmed, Dougal Wilson said: "It’s been a joy and an honor to shoot Paddington in Peru with such a wonderful and talented cast and crew.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have been blessed with such a lovely group of people, many of whom have returned to the world of this beloved bear. We are also delighted to have welcomed Emily, Olivia, Antonio and Carla to the Paddington family", he added (as reported by Variety).
