The first trailer has been released for the third film in the Paddington franchise, Paddington in Peru, which will see the lovable bear find himself in some “sticky situations in deepest, darkest Peru, his country of birth.”
The movie 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.”
The story for the next film was created by Paddington 1 and 2 collaborators Paul King, Simon Farnaby, and Mark Burton with a screenplay by Burton, Jon Foster, and James Lamont.
Ben Whishaw returns to provide the voice of Paddington. The movie will also feature a combination of returning and new cast. Some of the key talent from the first two films include Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Imelda Staunton and Michael Gambon. The cast also includes newcomers Antonio Banderas and Olivia Colman.
The movie will be directed by music video and commercial director Dougal Wilson, who will be making his feature directorial debut. Studiocanal will once again produce the movie with Heyday, who are also producers of the first two movies as well as the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies.
David Heyman and Rosie Alison will produce along with Rob Silva as co-producer. Executive producers include Paul King, Tim Wellspring, Jeffrey Clifford, Anna Marsh, and Ron Halpern.
Studiocanal CEO Anna Marsh and EVP Global Production Ron Halpern previously said in a statement: “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.”
The director of the first two Paddington films, Paul King, commented: “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.”
Producer David Heyman noted: “After an exacting search, we’re delighted that the brilliant Dougal Wilson will be directing the third Paddington film.
“A much-garlanded legend within the commercials world, we have long admired Dougal’s virtuoso work, and his gift for directing with heart, humour, surprise and vivid imaginative flair. He’s a wonderfully inventive kindred spirit for Paddington’s latest adventure with the Browns, and we’re thrilled to be working with him.”
The director of the film 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.”
The movie is set to open in theaters on January 17, 2025.