‘Paddington 3’ is ‘Paddington in Peru’

Third ‘Paddington’ Movie Will see the Cuddly Bear Character Head Back to Peru

The long-awaited third entry in the popular family film series will feature a new director, but hopefully the same level of joy.

A scene from director Paul King's 'Paddington 2.'

Great news for fans of quality family entertainment, marmalade sandwiches and Nicolas Cage –– Paddington will at last be back!

Yes, after the first two ‘Paddington’ movie scored near universal acclaim, made more than $500 million worldwide and earned BAFTA nominations, a third is finally ready to go into production.

It’ll build on the big impact that the previous movies had on the character’s cultural impression outside of his native Britain, where he’s been seen in videos taking tea with the late Queen for her last jubilee before she died in 2022.

What will happen in ‘Paddington 3’?

The exact details for the new movie’s story are still under wraps, but that title suggests the little bear (voiced, most likely, by returning Paddington performer Ben Whishaw) will be headed back to his roots in Peru.

Of course, this has us wondering which of the other main characters –– particularly Hugh Bonneville as Mr. Brown and his family –– will appear this time.

StudioCanal's 'Paddington 2.'

Who is making ‘Paddington 3’?

A bigger question is to whether the new movie can live up to the reputation of the others.

And that mantle will be handled by someone other than co-writer/director Paul King, who crafted the first two –– Dougal Wilson, who hasn’t made a movie before, but has a wealth of short films, music videos and commercial experience, will be making his feature debut with this. So, no pressure!

But King –– who is in post-production on ambitious musical prequel ‘Wonka’ is still involved. He wrote the story with collaborators Simon Farnaby and Mark Burton with a screenplay by Burton, Jon Foster and James Lamont.

Wilson says,

“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 focused on making a third film that honors the love so many people have for this very special bear.”

And here’s what King had to say,

“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.”

Oh, and in case the Cage reference right at the top had you scratching your head, you might want to check out the parodic version of himself he plays in ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’. Let’s just say he initially mocks the idea of ‘Paddington 2’ as classic cinema, but soon becomes a weepy convert…

Get the marmalade sandwiches ready, then, because while the new film doesn’t have a release date, cameras are set to start cranking in July, so there could be ‘Paddington’ goodness in our eyes before the end of next year.