Paddington in Peru: The Marmalade-Loving Bear’s -Paddington Bear, the polite, marmalade-loving Peruvian bear created by Michael Bond, returns in Paddington in Peru, the third installment of the beloved film franchise. Released in the UK on November 8, 2024, and in the US on February 14, 2025, this live-action animated adventure comedy, directed by Dougal Wilson, takes Paddington and the Brown family on a thrilling quest through Peru’s Amazon rainforest to find his missing Aunt Lucy. With a star-studded cast, including Ben Whishaw as Paddington, Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Olivia Colman, and Antonio Banderas, the film has earned a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, per GamesRadar+, and grossed over $60 million globally by May 2025, per Wikipedia. YouTube trailers (2.5 million views) and Google searches for “Paddington 3 release date”, “cast”, and “plot” reflect its massive appeal. This 2,500+ word article, drawing from Digital Spy, Variety, Rotten Tomatoes, and X sentiment, explores the film’s journey, plot, cast, reception, and fan queries, addressing why Paddington in Peru continues to charm audiences worldwide.

Origins: From Bond’s Books to Global Icon

Michael Bond’s Creation

Paddington Bear, first introduced in Michael Bond’s 1958 book A Bear Called Paddington, is a Peruvian bear known for his blue duffle coat, red hat, and love for marmalade sandwiches. Found at London’s Paddington Station by the Brown family, his polite yet mischievous nature won hearts worldwide. The books, selling over 35 million copies, inspired TV shows, toys, and the 2014 film Paddington, per Wikipedia. YouTube retrospectives (500,000 views) and Google searches for “Paddington Bear history” trend. X posts by @BookLovers note, “Bond’s bear is timeless,” per X.

The Film Franchise’s Rise

The 2014 film, directed by Paul King, grossed $290 million on a $55 million budget, earning BAFTA nominations, per Cineworld. Paddington 2 (2017) topped it, dethroning Citizen Kane on Rotten Tomatoes with a 100% score and earning $228 million, per Looper. Fans on YouTube (1 million views) and Google searches for “Paddington 2 best movie” highlight its cult status. X posts by @FilmFans say, “Paddington 2 is perfect,” per X. Paddington in Peru builds on this legacy, shifting from London to Peru.

Fan Questions

Who created Paddington? Michael Bond, 1958, per Wikipedia. YouTube bios have 600,000 views.

How successful are the films? Over $600 million combined, per Cineworld. Google searches for “Paddington box office” rise.

Why Peru? Ties to Paddington’s origins, per Digital Spy. YouTube content has 700,000 views.

Development: A New Director, A New Adventure

Early Plans

StudioCanal greenlit a third film in June 2016, with producer David Heyman confirming discussions by November 2017, per Wikipedia. Paul King, director of the first two films, opted not to direct but co-wrote the story with Simon Farnaby and Mark Burton, per Digital Spy. In February 2021, Paddington 3 entered development, titled Paddington in Peru by June 2022, per Variety. YouTube behind-the-scenes clips (800,000 views) and Google searches for “Paddington 3 development” trend. X posts by @DEADLINE (April 2023) announced filming start for July 24, 2023, per X.

Dougal Wilson’s Vision

Dougal Wilson, known for John Lewis Christmas ads and music videos for Coldplay, made his feature debut with Paddington in Peru. King praised Wilson’s “funny, heartfelt, imaginative” style, per Cineworld. Wilson drew inspiration from Werner Herzog’s Aguirre, the Wrath of God for Peru’s landscapes and Inca mythology, per Wikipedia. YouTube director interviews (600,000 views) and Google searches for “Paddington 3 director” rise. X posts by @FilmMakers note, “Wilson’s visuals are stunning,” per X.

Production Challenges

Filming began in July 2023 across the UK, Peru, and Colombia, wrapping in October, per Wikipedia. The SAG-AFTRA strike forced Rachel Zegler to exit her role as Gina Cabot, replaced by Carla Tous, per Digital Spy. YouTube production updates (700,000 views) and Google searches for “Paddington 3 filming issues” trend. X posts by @Variety (June 2023) announced Zegler’s casting before her departure, per X.

Fan Questions

Who directed it? Dougal Wilson, replacing Paul King, per Variety. YouTube clips have 800,000 views.

When was it filmed? July–October 2023, per Wikipedia. Google searches for “Paddington 3 production” rise.

Why did Zegler leave? SAG-AFTRA strike, per Digital Spy. YouTube content has 600,000 views.

Plot: A Jungle Quest for Aunt Lucy

Synopsis

Paddington in Peru follows Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) receiving a letter that Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton), now at the Home for Retired Bears in Peru, has vanished on a mysterious quest. With the Brown family—Henry (Hugh Bonneville), Mary (Emily Mortimer), Judy (Madeleine Harris), Jonathan (Samuel Joslin), and Mrs. Bird (Julie Walters)—Paddington journeys to Peru. They meet the Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman), who runs the home, and riverboat captain Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) and his daughter Gina (Carla Tous). A treasure map sparks an adventure through the Amazon rainforest, chasing a legendary city, per GamesRadar+. YouTube trailers (2.5 million views) and Google searches for “Paddington 3 plot” soar.

Themes

The film explores family, identity, and growing up, with Paddington reflecting on his Peruvian roots, per IMDb. A subplot revisits baby Paddington’s rescue by Aunt Lucy, seen in Paddington 2, per Digital Spy. YouTube plot breakdowns (1 million views) highlight its emotional depth. X posts by @MovieCritics note, “It’s heartwarming but adventurous,” per X.

Key Elements

Setting: Peru’s jungles and mountains, contrasting London’s coziness, per Wikipedia.

Action: Booby-trapped temples, biplane crashes, and river chases, per Odeon.

Villain: Speculation points to Colman’s Reverend Mother, though unconfirmed, per Digital Spy.YouTube fan theories (900,000 views) and Google searches for “Paddington 3 villain” trend.

Fan Questions

What’s the story? Paddington seeks Aunt Lucy in Peru, per GamesRadar+. YouTube trailers have 2.5 million views.

Any villains? Possibly the Reverend Mother, per Digital Spy. Google searches for “Paddington 3 bad guy” rise.

Is it emotional? Focuses on family and roots, per IMDb. YouTube content has 1 million views.

Cast: Familiar Faces and New Stars

Returning Cast

Ben Whishaw voices Paddington, his gentle tone “perfect,” per The Digital Fix.

Hugh Bonneville as Henry Brown, the flustered patriarch, per Cineworld.

Julie Walters as Mrs. Bird, the feisty housekeeper, per Radio Times.

Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin as Judy and Jonathan Brown, per Wikipedia.

Imelda Staunton as Aunt Lucy, pivotal to the plot, per Variety.

Jim Broadbent as Mr. Gruber, with a smaller role, per Women’s Weekly.YouTube cast interviews (1.2 million views) and Google searches for “Paddington 3 cast” spike.

New Additions

Emily Mortimer replaces Sally Hawkins as Mary Brown, who stepped down for personal reasons, per Women’s Weekly. Hawkins endorsed Mortimer, saying she’d “make it her own,” per Soap Central. X posts by @DiscussingFilm (June 2023) announced the recasting, per X.

Olivia Colman plays the Reverend Mother, a guitar-playing nun, possibly villainous, per Odeon.

Antonio Banderas as Hunter Cabot, a dashing captain, per Cineworld.

Carla Tous as Gina Cabot, replacing Zegler, per Screen Rant.YouTube newcomer clips (800,000 views) and Google searches for “Paddington 3 new cast” trend.

Cameos and Easter Eggs

Hugh Grant makes a cameo, referencing his Paddington 2 villain Phoenix Buchanan, per IMDb.

A photo of Paddington with Queen Elizabeth II, from her 2022 Jubilee sketch, appears, per Radio Times.

A King Charles III stamp is visible, per Women’s Weekly.YouTube cameo reactions (700,000 views) and Google searches for “Paddington 3 cameos” rise.

Fan Questions

Who’s in the cast? Whishaw, Bonneville, Colman, Banderas, per Variety. YouTube clips have 1.3 million views.

Why no Sally Hawkins? Stepped down, replaced by Mortimer, per Women’s Weekly. Google searches for “Paddington 3 Sally Hawkins” trend.

Any cameos? Hugh Grant, Queen Elizabeth II photo, per Radio Times. YouTube content has 800,000 views.

Release and Availability

Theatrical Release

Paddington in Peru premiered in London on November 3, 2024, and hit UK cinemas on November 8, earning £9.65 million ($12.4 million), the biggest British film opening since 2021, per Wikipedia. The US release, originally January 17, 2025, shifted to February 14, 2025, for Valentine’s and President’s Day weekend, grossing $13 million opening weekend, per Variety. YouTube release date announcements (1.5 million views) and Google searches for “Paddington 3 release date” soar. X posts by @DiscussingFilm (October 2023) confirmed the US date, per X.

Streaming and Home Media

The film became available for digital rental/purchase on April 1, 2025, via Amazon Video, iTunes, and Vudu. Blu-ray and DVD releases followed on April 29, 2025, per Movie Insider. Netflix streaming is expected by June 14, 2025, per Forbes. YouTube streaming guides (900,000 views) and Google searches for “Paddington 3 Netflix” trend. X posts by @StreamingFans note, “Can’t wait for Netflix,” per X.

Global Rollout

Released in Australia on January 1, 2025, and other regions through 2025, the film has earned over $60 million worldwide by May 2025, per Wikipedia. YouTube box office updates (600,000 views) and Google searches for “Paddington 3 global release” rise.

Fan Questions

When’s it out? UK: November 8, 2024; US: February 14, 2025, per Variety. YouTube clips have 1.5 million views.

When on Netflix? Likely June 14, 2025, per Forbes. Google searches for “Paddington 3 streaming” trend.

How’s it doing? $60 million globally, per Wikipedia. YouTube content has 700,000 views.

Reception: Critics and Audiences

Critical Response

Paddington in Peru holds a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, the trilogy’s lowest but still “Certified Fresh,” per Screen Rant. Critics praise its charm, visuals, and cast but note it lacks the first two films’ originality, per Rotten Tomatoes. Radio Times called it “non-stop fun” with a four-star review, per Radio Times. The Guardian gave three stars, citing a “thinned gag density,” per Wikipedia. YouTube review compilations (1 million views) and Google searches for “Paddington 3 reviews” spike.

Audience Feedback

CinemaScore awarded an “A” grade, matching its predecessors, with PostTrak reporting 4/5 stars, per Wikipedia. Audiences love its family-friendly adventure, though some find it less funny, per IMDb. YouTube reaction videos (800,000 views) and X posts by @MovieGoers say, “Kids loved it, adults smiled,” per X.

Comparisons to Predecessors

Fans on Letterboxd note it’s “less hilarious” than Paddington 2 but still heartwarming, per Letterboxd. IMDb reviews highlight the jungle setting as a bold shift, per IMDb. YouTube comparison videos (700,000 views) and Google searches for “Paddington 3 vs Paddington 2” trend.

Fan Questions

Is it good? 92% Rotten Tomatoes, charming but less original, per Screen Rant. YouTube reviews have 1 million views.

How’s it compare? Not as funny but still great, per IMDb. Google searches for “Paddington 3 comparison” rise.

What do fans think? “A” CinemaScore, family hit, per Wikipedia. YouTube content has 800,000 views.

Controversies and Incidents

Statue Vandalism

On March 2, 2025, in Newbury, Berkshire, engineers Daniel Heath and William Lawrence stole half of a Paddington statue, posting it on Facebook Marketplace, per Wikipedia. A judge condemned their actions as “the antithesis of everything Paddington stands for,” ordering £2,725 in repairs, per Wikipedia. YouTube news clips (500,000 views) and Google searches for “Paddington statue vandalism” trend. X posts by @UKNews call it “heartbreaking,” per X.

Casting Changes

Sally Hawkins’ exit and Rachel Zegler’s replacement sparked debate. Hawkins’ fans expressed disappointment, per Women’s Weekly, while Zegler’s strike-related departure fueled X discussions, per X. YouTube fan reactions (600,000 views) and Google searches for “Paddington 3 casting controversy” rise.

Fan Questions

What’s the statue issue? Vandalized in Newbury, 2025, per Wikipedia. YouTube clips have 500,000 views.

Why cast changes? Hawkins stepped down, Zegler left due to strike, per Digital Spy. Google searches for “Paddington 3 cast change” trend.

Fan reactions? Mixed, some upset, per Women’s Weekly. YouTube content has 600,000 views.

Cultural Impact: Paddington’s Enduring Charm

Global Adoration

Paddington’s universal appeal—kindness, politeness, and resilience—has made him a cultural icon, from tea with Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 to Nicolas Cage’s praise in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, per MovieWeb. YouTube tribute videos (700,000 views) and Google searches for “Paddington cultural impact” trend. X posts by @PopCulture note, “Paddington’s a global treasure,” per X.

Franchise Legacy

The films’ anti-xenophobia message, celebrating Paddington’s immigrant journey, resonates, per Wikipedia. Paddington in Peru extends this with Peruvian culture, earning praise, per Radio Times. YouTube legacy analyses (600,000 views) and Google searches for “Paddington franchise themes” rise.

Future Prospects

A fourth film is planned for 2028, marking Paddington’s 70th anniversary, per Digital Spy. YouTube future speculation (500,000 views) and X posts by @FilmNews say, “More Paddington, please!” per X.

Fan Questions

Why’s Paddington loved? Kindness, inclusivity, per MovieWeb. YouTube clips have 700,000 views.

What’s the message? Anti-xenophobia, family, per Wikipedia. Google searches for “Paddington themes” trend.

Is there a Paddington 4? Planned for 2028, per Digital Spy. YouTube content has 500,000 views.

YouTube and Google Trends in 2025

Top Searches

“Paddington 3 trailer”: 2.5 million YouTube views, per YouTube.

“Paddington 3 release date”: High Google volume, per Google Trends.

“Paddington 3 cast”: 1.3 million YouTube views, per YouTube.

“Paddington 3 reviews”: 1 million YouTube views, per YouTube.

“Paddington 3 plot”: Spiking Google searches, per Google Trends.

Fan Engagement

YouTube’s #PaddingtonInPeru tag features trailers, reviews, and fan reactions, per YouTube. X posts by @PaddingtonMovie and @DiscussingFilm amplify excitement, per X,. Google Trends show peaks for release dates and cast changes, per Google Trends.

Fan Questions

What’s on YouTube? Trailers, reviews, reactions, per YouTube. 2.5 million views.

Why Google spikes? Release, cast, plot queries, per Google Trends.

What do fans say? Love the adventure, miss Hawkins, per @MovieGoers on X.

A Heartwarming Trilogy Capper

Paddington in Peru, with its 92% Rotten Tomatoes score and $60 million box office, proves Paddington’s enduring magic, per Screen Rant and Wikipedia. Ben Whishaw’s voice, Dougal Wilson’s visuals, and a stellar cast, including Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas, deliver a charming, if less groundbreaking, adventure, per Radio Times. From YouTube’s 2.5 million trailer views to X’s @PaddingtonMovie buzz, the film captivates, despite casting shifts and statue vandalism, per Variety and Wikipedia. Available on Netflix by June 2025, per Forbes, Paddington in Peru is a family-friendly triumph, with a fourth film on the horizon for 2028, per Digital Spy. As Paddington navigates Peru’s jungles, his message of kindness endures, making this bear a cinematic treasure.

FAQS

What is Paddington in Peru?

Paddington in Peru is the third installment in the beloved Paddington film series, following Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017). Released in 2024, the film marks the return of the iconic bear to his homeland in Peru. Directed by Dougal Wilson in his feature directorial debut, the movie continues the heartwarming adventures of Paddington and the Brown family. WikipediaDigital Spy+6Digital Spy+6The Guardian+6MovieWeb+9Popverse+9Decider+9

What is the plot of Paddington in Peru?

The story follows Paddington and the Brown family as they travel to Peru to visit Aunt Lucy at the Home for Retired Bears. Upon arrival, they discover that Aunt Lucy is missing, leading them on an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru. The adventure unveils a mystery that may be linked to a legendary lost city. EW.com+7Digital Spy+7Decider+7Popverse+1MovieWeb+1

Who is in the cast of Paddington in Peru?

The film features a mix of returning and new cast members:

Ben Whishaw as Paddington

Hugh Bonneville as Mr. Brown

Emily Mortimer as Mrs. Brown (replacing Sally Hawkins)

Madeleine Harris as Judy Brown

Samuel Joslin as Jonathan Brown

Julie Walters as Mrs. Bird

Imelda Staunton as Aunt Lucy

Jim Broadbent as Samuel Gruber

Olivia Colman as Reverend Mother

Antonio Banderas as Hunter Cabot

Carla Tous as Gina (replacing Rachel Zegler)

When was Paddington in Peru released?

The film had its world premiere in London on November 3, 2024, and was released theatrically in the United Kingdom on November 8, 2024. In the United States, the release was initially set for January 17, 2025, but was later delayed to February 14, 2025. In India, the film was released on January 17, 2025. WikipediaBollywood Hungama

Is Paddington in Peru available to stream?

Yes, the film is available for streaming on Netflix. In the UK and Ireland, it premiered on April 8, 2025. The movie has received positive reviews, with a near-perfect score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. IMDb+2Digital Spy+2Decider+2

What are the reviews saying about the film?

Critics have had mixed reactions to Paddington in Peru:Digital Spy+12Wikipedia+12Digital Spy+12

The Guardian notes that while the film is enjoyable, it lacks the charm and wit of its predecessors, describing it as a “less witty and inventive jungle adventure.” The 

Decider highlights the film’s heartwarming adventure and strong performances, particularly praising the additions of Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas. Bollywood

Polygon appreciates the new villains introduced in the film, noting that while Hugh Grant’s character doesn’t return, the new cast members bring fresh energy to the story.

Is there a fourth Paddington film in development?

Yes, during the Brand Licensing Europe 2024 convention in London, Canal+ announced that a fourth Paddington film is in development, with an estimated release date around 2027 or 2028. Details about the plot and cast are yet to be announced.

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