Paddington in Peru: everything you need to know including story, cast and release date

Soften your hard stare and stow away those marmalade sandwiches because cinema's most endearing bear™ Paddington is back for another round of adventures. The irresistible-looking Paddington in Peru takes audiences beyond London on a sweeping adventure of discovery, returning the title character to his roots.

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It's set to be one of the biggest family hits of 2024 and expectations are sky-high given the acclaim that greeted both Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017). Here's everything we know so far about Paddington in Peru including the cast, story and release date.

What is the story of Paddington in Peru?

The official synopsis from distributor StudioCanal UK is as follows: "Paddington in Peru brings Paddington's story to Peru as he returns to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown Family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru."

Is the Brown family back in Paddington in Peru?

Yes, as mentioned in the synopsis, the Brown family is back and ready to assist Paddington on his most exciting adventure yet. Hugh Bonneville reprises his role as uptight father Mr. Brown while Emily Mortimer replaces Sally Hawkins in the role of Mrs. Brown. Samuel Joslin and Madeleine Harris return as Judy and Jonathan Brown and Julie Walters is back on board as loyal housekeeper Mrs Bird.

Does Ben Whishaw still voice Paddington in Paddington in Peru?

Yes, Ben Whishaw returns to voice the marmalade-loving Peruvian bear created by author Michael Bond. In the first Paddington film, the title character ventured to London for the first time and was then taken in by the Brown family. In the second, he was framed for the theft of an antique pop-up book by villainous ex-actor turned master of disguise Phoenix Buchanan (Hugh Grant).

The journey this time sends Paddington back to his home country, which has only been seen in flashbacks in the previous two films. Paddington in Peru sees Imelda Staunton reprise her vocal role as Paddington's dear Aunt Lucy who appeared in London during the heartwarming climax of Paddington 2.

Who directs Paddington in Peru?

Paddington in Peru is directed by Dougal Wilson in his feature film debut. Music video veteran Wilson has worked with the likes of Coldplay, Goldfrapp and Massive Attack and replaces Paul King as director of the new Paddington film (King recently scored a blockbuster hit with the Roald Dahl origin story Wonka).

However, Paddington in Peru does retain Paddington 2 writer Simon Farnaby. Farnaby and King take a story credit while the screenplay is credited to Aardman veteran Mark Burton (Wallace and Gromit; Shaun the Sheep). Jon Foster and James Lamont (co-developer of the ongoing animated television series The Adventures of Paddington, which retains Ben Whishaw in the title role).

Who are the new cast members in Paddington in Peru?

Puss in Boots himself Antonio Banderas plays the hunky Spanish captain Hunter Cabot who takes Paddington and the Browns downriver to find his Aunt Lucy. Oscar winner Olivia Colman, who recently appeared in Paul King's Wonka, plays The Reverend Mother who tasks Paddington and the Browns with the journey.