Film Writer Mickey van Tonder gives the rundown on Paddington Bear’s impending return to Darkest Peru and what we should expect to see
Britain’s favourite bear is to grace the big screen for a third time, a decade after his cinematic debut, and this time he’s embarking on a brand-new adventure across the Atlantic. Paddington in Peru marks the debut feature of award-winning director Dougal Wilson, who is taking the reins from his predecessor Paul King. However, this isn’t the only change taking place in the new instalment; Paddington (Ben Whishaw) is venturing back to his roots, with his latest journey taking him deep into the heart of South America. Alongside the Brown family, Paddington sets sail on a quest to find his beloved Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton), who appears to have set off on her mysterious adventure in Darkest Peru.
Paddington in Peru marks the debut feature of award-winning director Dougal Wilson, who is taking the reins from his predecessor Paul King
Originally part of a small but endearing family of Peruvian bears before stowing away via boat, Paddington is a cherished British icon, known for his whimsical escapades through some of the most recognisable locations in London. As he finds his place in the Brown family, Paddington causes mayhem in an abundance of iconic English settings, including the London Underground, the British Museum, and even Buckingham Palace. His politeness and charmingly quirky humour exude a quintessential Englishness, which has led fans to question how the change in scenery might impact the franchise as well as the cherished cub himself.
While the setting may be different for our favourite ursine mischief-maker, the film continues to feature an absolutely star-studded cast, with Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent and Imelda Staunton all returning to their roles. Fans, however, were left disappointed but curious after Sally Hawkins (who plays the treasured Mrs. Brown) made a departure from the franchise following the previous film. Instead, esteemed actress and filmmaker Emily Mortimer will be filling her shoes seven years after Mrs Brown’s last appearance.
Olivia Colman also joins the stacked cast as Reverend Mother, a jaunty nun working at the Home for Retired Bears. And while British talent certainly dominates the roster, Antonio Banderas stars alongside Carla Tous as Captain Hunter Cabot, the dazzling and charming boat captain who guides Paddington and his family through the Peruvian jungle on their riverboat. The two will certainly provide a foreign flair to the film, and give the already wonderful cast some diversity.
New faces and exotic filming locations, including Columbia and Peru, have certainly assured this film will be one of Paddington’s biggest expeditions yet
New faces and exotic filming locations, including Columbia and Peru, have certainly assured this film will be one of Paddington’s biggest expeditions yet, and both the cast and the devoted fanbase seem thrilled about this latest adventure, despite the movement away from the townhouses of London. The trailer also teases several action-packed scenes, hinting at a refreshing twist on the signature slapstick comedy that has hooked audiences to Paddington over the years. Not only will his adventure be more high-octane than ever, Ben Whishaw teased that fans will finally discover what happened to Aunt Lucy after the events of Paddington 2 in the upcoming film. Until then, viewers will remain in suspense, with the mystery set to be revealed when the film releases to UK theatres on November 8th.
And if that wasn’t enough, to keep Paddington’s British fans entertained while he travels across the pond, Hugh Bonneville took to social media to share news of special Paddington statues being added to benches throughout the UK to celebrate the film’s release. In a video posted to Studiocanal UK’s pages, Bonneville invited fans to “sit down and have a chat with the marmalade-loving bear”, and encouraged the public to “watch this space” as Paddington comes to a bench near them.
While Paddington in Peru introduces a fresh and unexpected quest for our grizzly friend, the film looks to retain all the charm that has made him a global favourite over the past decade. In many ways this latest instalment seems to underscore the timeless truth about the character: you can take the bear out of Britain, but you cannot take Britain out of the bear. Paddington’s manners, love of marmalade sandwiches, and unyielding optimism transcends the UK borders in this upcoming instalment, and fans of all ages couldn’t be more excited.
Paddington in Peru is released in UK cinemas November 8, and those outside the UK can expect a worldwide theatrical release on January 17, 2025.
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