With Paddington fresh from sharing a very special, marmalade sandwich-rich moment with the Queen before of the recent Platinum Jubilee concert, it’s exciting to hear that he will be returning to the big screen for a third warmhearted adventure.
Titled Paddington in Peru, the new film is set in both London, and of course, Peru from whence Paddington hails, with The Peoples Movie reporting that principal photography is due to commence in 2023.
It’s not only a change of location that’s in the offing.
There’s a new director too, with Paul King, who directed the first two albums moving to a production role with, with Dougal Wilson, best known for working with Apple, the BBC on the John Lewis Christmas adverts – a delightful festive highlight if ever there was one! – sitting in the director’s chair.
“As a huge fan of the first two films”, says Wilson. “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 focused on making a third film that honours the love so many people have for this very special bear.” (courtesy The Peoples Movie)
It’s exciting to see that while many of the production team from the first two films are remaining involved, there’s also some new talent coming in which can only augur well for honouring what people have loved about the series so far – including this reviewer; see my reviews of Paddington 1 and Paddington 2 – while injecting new life and vigour inta franchise which is the perfect antidote to the harsh realities of life.
While there’s no confirmation of cast or release date, we can only hope everyone comes back for the third instalment with The Peoples Movie echoing what we are no doubt all thinking when they say “Fingers crossed Ben Whishaw will be soon confirmed as the voice of Paddington.”
Now, if you’ll excuse me it is high time for a marmalade sandwich and a bath during which nothing will of course go wrong …