Paddington 3 to begin filming this summer

‘Paddington 3’, titled ‘Paddington in Peru’ will begin filming this summer

Plot details for Paddington In Peru are shrouded in secrecy, though it has been written by Paul King, who directed the first two films.

The long-awaited movie is titled ‘Paddington in Peru’ and is on course to begin production on July 24.

The film will be directed by Dougal Wilson in his feature directorial debut. The movie will once again be produced by Studiocanal with Heyday Films following their work on the first two installments of the ‘Paddington’ franchise.

The new flick will be shot on location in London and Peru and it is thought that Ben Whishaw will return to voice Paddington. It is said that the movie will be made up of a combination of new and returning cast members.

Paul King, Simon Farnaby and Mark Burton have all crafted the story for the latest film.

Studiocanal’s Anna Marsh and Ron Halpern said: “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.”

King – the director of ‘Paddington’ and ‘Paddington 2’ – added: “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.”

Plot details are being kept under the bear’s famous red hat but the movie will see Paddington getting into sticky situations in his home country of “deepest, darkest Peru” – as the title suggests.

Paddington in Peru cast

There has been no official word but Ben Whishaw is expected to return as the voice of Paddington from the first two films.

Only in February, Whishaw suggested that Paddington in Peru wasn’t going anywhere as he hadn’t seen a script: “I haven’t read this script and I don’t even know when we’re due to shoot it. I don’t know. I thought it would be happening by now, but I don’t know. It’s gone silent in the way that sometimes these things do. Maybe that just means they’re still working on it, or maybe it means it’s not happening, or you just don’t know.”

There is also no confirmation on the existing cast members including Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Hugh Grant and Peter Capaldi.

The cast to be made up of a variety of new and existing cast while Florence Pugh has publicly declared her love of the films.

Grant has previously played down the chances of him returning as the villainous Phoenix Buchanan, saying: “They probably will make another Paddington, in fact I think they are but no, Phoenix is happy in prison. He’s got a special friend there. There’s no breakout, not for Phoenix. He doesn’t want one. He’s loving it. He’s dancing away with the other inmates.”

Paddington in Peru release date

While Paddington in Peru begins filming on 24 July, no release date has been confirmed by StudioCanal.

It’s been six years since the release of Paddington 2 which began production in November 2016 so it would be a good estimate to expect Paddington in Peru to hit cinemas some time around Christmas 2024.

Paddington in Peru plot

Plot details for the film are being kept strictly under Paddington’s red hat but if the title gives anything away, we will see the bear back home in Peru for the first time.

The previous two films were set in London so the film could feature Paddington in a new setting.

Who is making Paddington in Peru?

While Paul King has stepped out of the director’s chair, he has still co-written the film and will serve as an executive producer.

King wrote the story with his collaborator on the first two films, Simon Farnaby and Mark Burton who co-wrote Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.

The screenplay comes from Burton, Jon Foster and James Lamont who scripted Paddington’s Jubilee sketch with the late Queen Elizabeth II. The pair have also worked with Jimmy Fallon and Harry Hill.

The new director is Dougal Wilson who is best known for his work in advertisements and music videos. He has directed several of the John Lewis Christmas adverts and done music videos for artists such as Coldplay, LCD Soundsystem and Jarvis Cocker.

On handing over the baton to Wilson, King said: “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.”

In turn, Wilson commented on taking over from King: “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.”