The long-awaited movie threequel of the Paddington movie franchise will officially start production on July 24, 2023.
The new movie will be set in "deepest, darkest Peru", the birthplace of Paddington, and will feature the beloved bear getting into sticky situations. The film will be produced by STUDIOCANAL, who fully financed the previous two movies, and Heyday, who produced the first two Paddington films as well as the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies.
The screenplay will be written by Paul King, Simon Farnaby, Mark Burton, Jon Foster, and James Lamont.
The previous two Paddington films were both box office hits, grossing over $500M and earning BAFTA nominations. STUDIOCANAL CEO Anna Marsh and EVP Global Production Ron Halpern have expressed their excitement at Dougal Wilson's appointment as the director of the third Paddington movie. Wilson is an accomplished music video and commercial director who will be making his feature debut with this film. Director of the first two Paddington movies, Paul King, has expressed his confidence in Wilson's ability to take care of Paddington on his next big screen adventure.
Director of Paddington 1 & 2 Paul King commented: “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.”
Producer Heyman noted: “After an exacting search, we’re delighted that the brilliant Dougal Wilson will be directing the third Paddington film. A much-garlanded legend within the commercials world, we have long admired Dougal’s virtuoso work, and his gift for directing with heart, humour, surprise and vivid imaginative flair. He’s a wonderfully inventive kindred spirit for Paddington’s latest adventure with the Browns, and we’re thrilled to be working with him.”
We look forward to seeing Paddington's latest adventure and are confident that it will be an exciting movie that Paddington fans from any age could enjoy.
