The marmalade-loving Paddington Bear is soon turning 70, with the adored children’s literature character celebrating his 70th anniversary come 2028. And to mark the occasion, the filmmakers behind the most recent “Paddington” films have some big plans.
Studiocanal revealed that the company is hoping to make a fourth “Paddington” live-action feature, as well as a TV series, with a release being eyed for 2027 and 2028 ahead of the 70th anniversary.
Françoise Guyonnet, CEO of Studiocanal, said on a keynote panel at the Brand Licensing Europe 2024 convention in London on Wednesday (via THR) that the studio is “working on” both projects. The news comes as fans are still awaiting “Paddington in Peru,” the third live-action movie in the recent film franchise. That movie will be released on January 17, 2025 in the U.S. as released by Sony Pictures.
“Paddington in Peru” is no longer directed by Paul King, who went on to make “Wonka” and helped turn 2017’s “Paddington 2” into briefly one of the best-reviewed movies of all time.
The third film is now the directorial debut of Dougal Wilson, an acclaimed commercial and music video director in the UK. The film will star a litany of British royalty such as Olivia Colman, Emily Mortimer, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Hugh Bonneville, and Julie Walters, as well as Antonio Banderas and featuring Ben Whishaw reprising his role as the voice of Paddington Bear.
The new film will see Paddington leave England and adventuring in the Amazon in order to reconnect with his long-lost family and beloved Aunt Lucy (Staunton).
Guyonnet said Studiocanal is doing everything it can to keep the Paddington train rolling, including “Paddington: The Musical” coming to the West End, a live experience for kids in London, a Paddington-themed Roblox game, and even launching Paddington’s own TikTok page.
Check out the trailer for “Paddington in Peru” here.
