Other meanings of Paddington
Film
Paddington in Peru is a 2024 live-action/animated family comedy film directed by Dougal Wilson, the third installment in the Paddington film series. It follows Paddington as he returns to his native Peru to visit his aunt, only to become embroiled in an adventure in the Amazon rainforest. The film stars Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington, with a cast including Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, and Antonio Banderas.
The film opens with Paddington, now settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, receiving a letter from the Home for Retired Bears in Peru, informing him that his Aunt Lucy is feeling down. Determined to cheer her up, Paddington persuades the Browns to take a trip to Peru. Upon arrival, they discover that Aunt Lucy has mysteriously disappeared into the Amazon rainforest, leaving behind a cryptic clue. With the help of a charismatic riverboat captain named Hunter Cabot and his daughter, the group embarks on a quest to find her, encountering a series of misadventures involving ancient legends, a lost city, and a greedy explorer.
The plot draws inspiration from Michael Bond's original stories, particularly the theme of Paddington's longing for his homeland, while introducing new characters and a fresh setting. The film balances its adventure narrative with the series' signature warmth and humor, exploring themes of family, belonging, and the importance of home.
Development of a third Paddington film was confirmed in 2021, with Paul King, director of the first two films, stepping back to focus on other projects. Dougal Wilson, known for his innovative music videos, was chosen to direct, marking his feature-length debut. The screenplay was written by Mark Burton, Jon Foster, and James Lamont, with King contributing to the story. Filming took place in the UK and Peru, with the Amazon rainforest sequences shot on location in Colombia to capture the authentic jungle atmosphere.
The visual effects were handled by Framestore, who had worked on the previous films, ensuring continuity in the CGI portrayal of Paddington. The production aimed to maintain the handcrafted feel of the earlier films while expanding the scope to include more elaborate action sequences and a richer depiction of the Peruvian landscape. The film's score was composed by Dario Marianelli, who returned from the previous installments.
Ben Whishaw returns as the voice of Paddington, delivering his characteristic gentle and earnest performance. Hugh Bonneville reprises his role as Henry Brown, while Emily Mortimer takes over from Sally Hawkins as Mary Brown, due to scheduling conflicts. The film introduces Antonio Banderas as Hunter Cabot, a flamboyant and morally ambiguous riverboat captain, and Olivia Colman as the Reverend Mother, the head of the Home for Retired Bears, who adds a comedic and mysterious element.
Other returning cast members include Julie Walters as Mrs. Bird, Jim Broadbent as Mr. Gruber, and Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin as the Brown children. Imelda Staunton voices Aunt Lucy, and the film also features a cameo from Ben Miller as a customs officer. The casting was praised for maintaining the ensemble's chemistry while bringing in new talent to enrich the story.
Paddington in Peru premiered in London on 3 November 2024 and was released in the United Kingdom on 8 November 2024, with a US release following on 17 January 2025. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its heartwarming tone, visual charm, and the performances of the cast, particularly Banderas and Colman. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an approval rating of 92% based on 130 reviews, with the critical consensus noting it as a worthy continuation of the beloved series.
At the box office, the film grossed over $125 million worldwide against a budget of $90 million, making it a commercial success. It was particularly well-received in the UK, where it became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The film was also nominated for several awards, including a BAFTA for Outstanding British Film, though it did not win.
One of the film's notable behind-the-scenes details is that director Dougal Wilson was chosen partly because of his experience with visual storytelling in music videos, which brought a fresh visual flair to the franchise. The film includes a subtle homage to the classic 1970s TV series, with a brief appearance of the original Paddington puppet in a museum scene. Additionally, the character of Hunter Cabot was originally written with a different accent, but Banderas suggested a Spanish accent to add authenticity, which was incorporated into the script.
The film's depiction of the Amazon rainforest was inspired by the real-life work of conservationists, and the production partnered with the World Wildlife Fund to raise awareness about deforestation. A portion of the film's proceeds were donated to the charity. Furthermore, the film features a post-credits scene that hints at a potential fourth installment, sparking speculation among fans.
This article is based on publicly available information as of 2025.
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