After many years of doubt, it’s finally been made official: We will get a third film in the “Paddington” series. “Paddington in Peru” is slated to start production this summer on July 24th, according to Deadline. It is assumed that Ben Whishaw will return to voice the titular character, but nothing is confirmed now.
Production company Studiocanal will return to develop the film with director Paul King (“Paddington” & “Paddington 2“) stepping back into the world of Paddington for a third time, but not as a director. King will have a story credit alongside Simon Farnaby and Mark Burton with a screenplay by Burton, Jon Foster and James Lamont. Music video director Dougal Wilson will step into the director’s chair this time around, making this his feature film directorial debut. The rest of the previous film’s cast, including the likes of Sally Hawkins (“The Shape of Water“) and Hugh Bonneville (“Downtown Abbey“), are not confirmed to return either at this point.
Although King isn’t set to return to the director’s chair, I think there is an exciting chance to bring something new to the series. The “Paddington” films have such a unique charm. Giving everyone’s favorite marmalade sandwich-eating bear a change of scenery and direction could be good for the series’ longevity. Plus, having an entirely new ensemble to surround Paddington would also be very interesting.
Are you enthusiastic about a new “Paddington” film? Who would you want to be a part of the ensemble? Are these too many changes, or are you curious about the new approach to this beloved character? Please let us know in the comments section below or over on our Twitter account.
