According to Variety, Antonio Banderas, Rachel Zegler, Emily Mortimer, and Olivia Colman are in talks to join the cast of Paddington 3. Officially titled Paddington in Peru, the third adventure starring the anthropomorphic bear is set to begin filming this July.
“The story will follow Paddington returning to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears,” the synopsis reads via Variety. “Paddington and the Brown Family embark on an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru.”
Who is Involved in Paddington 3?
Ben Whishaw reprises his role as the voice of Paddington Brown, the kind-hearted lifelike bear adopted by the Brown family. Returning cast members include Hugh Bonneville as Henry Brown, Jim Broadbent as Samuel Gruber, Julie Walters as Mrs. Bird, Madeleine Harris as Judy Brown, Samuel Joslin as Jonathan “J-Dog” Brown, and Imelda Staunton as the voice of Imelda Staunton as Aunt Lucy.
Mortimer will replace Sally Hawkins as Mrs. Brown Hawkins, who originated the role in the first two films. “For me, it has felt the right time to hand the reins over to another, and one can’t get much better than the truly wonderful Emily Mortimer, she is extraordinarily special,” Hawkins said in a statement. “She will embody the essence of Mary Brown and yet make it utterly her own. “
Banderas will star as Cabot, a fearless riverboat captain who helps the Brown family on their Peruvian excursion. Zegler will play Gina, Cabot’s daughter, while Colman will play a reverend mother who runs the retirement home for bears in Peru.
Making his feature film directorial debut on Paddington 3 is Dougal Wilson, a commercial and music video director who has worked with Apple, IKEA, and Coldplay. Studiocanal and Heyday Films will produce the film. Studiocanal will distribute the film in the UK, France, Germany, and other European and Asian markets. Sony Pictures will distribute Paddington 3 in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and other various international territories.
The Paddington franchise has been successful both commercially and critically. The two films have combined for over $500 million worldwide gross at the box office. Paddington and Paddington 2 received multiple BAFTA nominations, with Paddington 2 securing a nomination for Best British Film.
