We’re all overdue for a blessing. And we could definitely use some additional joy. Frankly, we’ll take any ounce of happiness we can get. Thankfully StudioCanal, a French film production and distribution company, gave us the best possible entertainment news when they confirmed Paddington 3 was officially in the works. What. A. Gift.
The movie will continue the utterly charming story of Paddington the bear. The StudioCanal representative specifically told Variety: “We can confirm StudioCanal is working very hard on film 3 with the utmost craft and care—as with film 1 and 2.” That’s tremendous news since the first two Paddington movies are so lovely. Since we first received this exciting confirmation, we’ve learned more about Paddington 3‘s title (Paddington in Peru), team, and release date. Here’s what we know about the bearrific movie.
Paddington in Peru‘s Release Date
Paddington in Peru will release in the US on January 17, 2025. In the UK, meanwhile, it will release two months earlier, on November 8, 2024, according to Deadline. It doesn’t seem fair to have to wait the extra months for new Paddington adventures, but we guess we’ll take more of the franchise whenever we can get it.
Paddington 3‘s Title, Team, and Cast
Recently we learned who will direct the third Paddington film. Dougal Wilson will direct the movie. And the title? As mentioned, Paddington in Peru. We like how dramatic this sounds. Wilson takes over the lovable bear movies from director Paul King. King directed the first two installments. And as for Wilson, he comes from a background of music videos and commercials. Paddington in Peru marks his theatrical feature debut. The movie filmed in London and Peru. Production was slated to begin production on July 24.
Additionally, Deadline notes that the cast consists of “Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Antonio Banderas, Olivia Colman, Julie Walters, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Jim Broadbent, and Carla Tous with both Ben Whishaw and Imelda Staunton returning as the respective voices of Paddington and Aunt Lucy.”
In case you aren’t familiar, the popular Paddington Bear stories by author Michael Bond and artists including Peggy Fortnum inspire the Paddington movies. The first live-action film debuted in 2014, with a sequel following in 2017. Both films made bank and warmed hearts as audiences watched Paddington make a home with the Brown family in London. Ben Whishaw voices the titular bear; actors such as Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, and Sally Hawkins star in the movies alongside him. At the end of Paddington 2, the bear reunited with his adoptive aunt Lucy.
Originally published on February 27, 2021.
Amy Ratcliffe is the Managing Editor for Nerdist and the author of The Jedi Mind, available now. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.