According to Deadline, Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas, Rachel Zegler, and Emily Mortimer have joined the cast of the third “Paddington” film, “Paddington In Peru.” Ben Whishaw is set to return to voice the titular character along with Hugh Bonneville. Academy Award nominee Sally Hawkins (“The Shape Of Water“) will not return for the threequel as Mortimer will take over the role of Mrs. Brown. Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, and Imelda Staunton are also in talks to join the film.
“Paddington In Peru” follows everyone’s favorite gentlemanly bear returning to Peru to visit his Aunt Lucy. Colman will play The Reverend Mother, a guitar-playing nun who runs a home for retired bears. Banderas and Zegler will play a father and daughter duo, Hunter and Gina Cabot, respectively, in the film. Hunter Cabot is a riverboat captain who helps the Brown family throughout the film as they navigate through Peru. Dougal Wilson will make his feature directorial debut with the film, while the previous two films’ director, Paul King, will only be involved as an executive producer. King is also credited for the story of the film.
Both “Paddington” films have been such utter delights and have been regarded as some of the best films made in recent memory for their wholesome good vibes and positive messaging; it will be nice to return to these characters from an extended six-year hiatus. It is a shame Hawkins isn’t returning for the third film since she has been such a series highlight. Mortimer is such a fantastic actress and will do a great job in the role of Mrs. Brown. Speaking of fantastic, Colman is another terrific addition to the series and always brings great energy to whatever project she joins. Banderas and Zegler are just icing on the cake. The biggest concern which surrounds “Paddington In Peru” is the overall absence of King as the director. His direction for the previous two films was outstanding and helped to make those films as beloved as they’ve become. Not having him behind the camera for this third outing is underwhelming. Nonetheless, it should be a time to celebrate when we get a new “Paddington” film.
Are you excited for “Paddington In Peru?” Who is your favorite addition to this ensemble? Please let us know in the comments section below or over on our Twitter account.
