Peter Rabbit Sequel Adds David Oyelowo

February 22, 2019

Variety has brought word that Selma star David Oyelowo has signed on to star in the upcoming sequel to the animated box office hit Peter Rabbit for Sony Pictures.

In the first film, Peter Rabbit, the mischievous and adventurous hero who has captivated generations of readers, now takes on the starring role of his own irreverent, contemporary comedy with attitude. Peter’s feud with Mr. McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson, Ex Machina) escalates to greater heights than ever before as they rival for the affections of the warm-hearted animal lover who lives next door (Rose Byrne, Neighbors). James Corden (The Late Late Show) voices the character of Peter with playful spirit and wild charm, with Margot Robbie (Suicide Squad), Elizabeth Debicki (The Man From U.N.C.L.E.), and Daisy Ridley (Star Wars: The Last Jedi) performing the voice roles of the triplets, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail.

Oyelowo joins the cast that includes returning stars Gleeson, Byrne and Corden, as well as writer-director Will Gluck (Friends with Benefits), who helmed the predecessor and will co-write the sequel with Patrick Burleigh and produce through his Olive Bridge Entertainment banner.

While the 42-year-old actor’s role is being kept underwraps along with the plot, it has been revealed that he will portray a live-action character alongside Byrne and Gleeson. The actor was most recently seen in the critical disaster The Cloverfield Paradox and will next be seen in the upcoming sci-fi film Chaos Walking alongside Daisy Ridley (Star Wars: The Last Jedi) and Tom Holland (Spider-Man: Far From Home), which has not received a release date yet.

The first film earned mixed reviews from critics, but grossed over $320 million worldwide, surpassing similar family franchise Paddington 2, which grossed over $225 million at the global box office and holds a 100% “Certified Fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes. For the return of the hare-brained hooligan, co-writer and director Will Gluck (Friends with Benefits) will return to write and direct the sequel, which is scheduled to hit theaters February 7, 2020 in the US and March 27, 2020 in the UK.