If Paddington 2 made you want to become a better person, get ready for the follow-up. The Paddington series is about to be realized as a trilogy and is well on its way to becoming one of the best-reviewed franchises ever as Paddington in Peru is about to start production. Deadline has the info on threequel, and though its plot is currently being kept under wraps, as the title suggests, this entry finds the little bear in “deepest, darkest Peru,” which is his birthplace.
Paul King, Simon Farnaby, and Mark Burton, the collaborators of both Paddington 1 and 2, are also creating the story for this installment. The screenplay is set to be penned by Mark Burton, Jon Foster, and James Lamont. And Dougal Wilson, the director of numerous commercials and music videos will be making his feature film debut with this entry. Studiocanal, the producer of the two former films, will be returning in collaboration with Heyday, both of whom produced the two preceding installments as well as the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.
Studiocanal CEO Anna Marsh, and EVP of Global Production Ron Halpern, have stated, “We have long been huge admirers of Dougal’s work, his stunning visual creativity, his storytelling, heart, emotion, and humor. We are so thrilled that Dougal will be directing the third Paddington film. We look forward to bringing Paddington back to Peru for his next big screen adventure.”
Paul King, the director of Paddingtons 1 and 2, comments, “After ten years of working on the Paddington movies, I feel absurdly protective of the little bear, and I’m delighted that Dougal will be there to hold his paw as he embarks on his third big screen adventure. 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.” And the new director would comment, “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. It’s a massive responsibility, but all my efforts will be focussed on making a third film that honors the love so many people have for this very special bear.”
The first two Paddingtons made more than $500 million between them at the box office. Both were also nominated for BAFTAs.