Paddington 3 has received an official title and found its director.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Dougal Wilson, an award-winning commercial and music video filmmaker who has worked with brands like Apple and Ikea, has been hired to direct Paddington in Peru, the third installment of the popular family film franchise from StudioCanal and Heyday Films. The title suggests that Paddington's native home of Peru will be a major focus in the upcoming sequel and that the marmalade sandwich-loving bear will be leaving his adventures in London behind to return to the South American country.
Wilson will make his feature-length directorial debut on the project. "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," the director said. "It’s a massive responsibility, but all my efforts will be focussed on making a third film that honours the love so many people have for this very special bear."
Paul King, who wrote and directed the first two Paddington live-action/CGI films, stated that he was "delighted that Dougal will be there to hold [Paddington's] paw as he embarks on his third big-screen adventure." He praised Wilson's past work, calling it "never less than astounding: funny, beautiful, heartfelt, imaginative, and totally original." King, who is currently working on Wonka, Warner Bros.' Charlie and the Chocolate Factory prequel, remains attached to Paddington in Peru as an executive producer. Mark Burton, Jon Foster and James Lamont wrote the screenplay for the film based on a story by King, Burton and Simon Farnaby, who all collaborated on the previous Paddington films.
Principal photography on Paddington in Peru is slated to begin in 2023 with filming set to take place in both London and Peru. No cast has been officially confirmed for the sequel at this time. Ben Wishaw has voiced the titular bear in both films and the spin-off animated series. He also recently reprised the role in a pre-recorded sketch opposite Queen Elizabeth II for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee concert.
The Paddington movies have been commercial hits at the global box office, grossing $282.8 million and $228 million against their respective budgets of $57.5 million and $40 million. They were also critically acclaimed, with Paddington 2 earning nominations at the British Academy Film Awards and briefly holding the honor of being the best-reviewed film on Rotten Tomatoes.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
