Paddington Bear, the fictional character in children’s literature and several TV and film adaptations – has Latin American roots. If you investigate the history of the spectacled bear who loves marmalade, he comes from the jungles of “darkest Peru.”
In the 2014 live-action/animated film Paddington, an earthquake destroys the lovable bear’s house and drives him out of Peru. He moves to London, where a family accepts him into their home. A sequel, Paddington 2, premiered in theaters in 2017.
Now, a third film is taking the titular bear back to his home continent of South America. The upcoming movie, Paddington in Peru, has been announced to round out the family-friendly trilogy. Commercial and music video director Dougal Wilson will take over directorial duties from Paul King, who is currently heading Wonka, the prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
“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,” Wilson said in a statement. “It’s a massive responsibility, but all my efforts will be focused on making a third film that honors the love, so many people have for this very special bear.”
King added that although he feels “absurdly protective of the little bear,” he knows the franchise is going in the right direction. “I’m delighted that Dougal will be there to hold his paw as he embarks on his third big-screen adventure,” King said in a statement. “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.”
Paddington in Peru will begin shooting in 2023 in London and Peru. An official cast has not been announced, but the first two films included Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville, and Ben Wishaw, who has given voice to Paddington for the first two movies.