Paddington in Peru

The film opens with Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) living happily with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens. He receives a letter from the Home for Retired Bears in Peru, stating that Aunt Lucy is depressed. The Browns decide to visit her, but upon arrival they find she has disappeared into the Amazon rainforest. The Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman) claims she went on a spiritual retreat, but Paddington suspects foul play. With the help of a riverboat captain named Hunter (Antonio Banderas), the family embarks on a journey upriver, encountering a series of misadventures. They eventually discover that Aunt Lucy was searching for a legendary treasure, the 'Lost City of Eldorado', to fund the home's future. The villain, a mysterious figure known as the 'Hunter', is revealed to be a former explorer who seeks the treasure for himself. In a climactic confrontation, Paddington uses his marmalade-making skills to outwit the villain, and Aunt Lucy is found safe. The film ends with Paddington and the Browns returning to London, having learned the importance of family and home.

The film was announced in 2021, with Dougal Wilson making his feature directorial debut after a career in commercials and music videos. The screenplay was written by Mark Burton, Jon Foster, and James Lamont, based on a story by Paul King, who directed the previous two films. Ben Whishaw returned as the voice of Paddington, while Hugh Bonneville and Emily Mortimer (replacing Sally Hawkins) played the Browns. Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas joined the cast. Filming took place in the UK and Peru, with the production using a combination of live-action and CGI animation. The film's visual effects were handled by Framestore, who had worked on the previous films. The score was composed by Dario Marianelli, who also scored the earlier installments.

Paddington in Peru premiered in London on November 3, 2024, and was released in the UK on November 8, 2024, with a US release on January 17, 2025. The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised its heart, humor, and performances, particularly Olivia Colman's villainous turn. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an approval rating of 92% based on 120 reviews, with the critical consensus noting it as a 'charming and delightful addition to the series'. The film grossed over $200 million worldwide, becoming a box office success. It was nominated for several awards, including a BAFTA for Outstanding British Film.

The film continues the series' exploration of themes such as immigration, family, and kindness. It emphasizes the importance of home and belonging, as Paddington grapples with his dual identity as a Peruvian bear living in London. The film's style blends whimsical comedy with adventure, featuring vibrant visuals of the Peruvian landscape. Director Dougal Wilson brought a fresh visual approach, incorporating elements of magical realism, such as a scene where Paddington dreams of a giant marmalade sandwich. The film also pays homage to classic adventure films, with nods to Indiana Jones and The African Queen.

One lesser-known fact is that the film's title was originally announced as 'Paddington 3' before being changed to 'Paddington in Peru'. The production faced challenges filming in Peru due to political unrest, leading to some scenes being shot in Colombia as a stand-in. The character of the Reverend Mother was originally written as a male villain, but was rewritten for Olivia Colman. The film features a cameo by the original Paddington Bear creator, Michael Bond, in a photograph. Additionally, the film's post-credits scene hints at a potential fourth installment, with a mysterious character appearing in London.

Home for Retired Bears

A fictional retirement home for bears in Peru, where Aunt Lucy resides.

Lost City of Eldorado

A legendary treasure city in South America, sought after by the film's antagonist.

Marmalade

A citrus preserve, a signature food of Paddington, used as a plot device in the film.