At long last, a sequel to the universally beloved “Paddington 2” is on the way. And Deadline has the scoop on some of the new faces moviegoers should expect in the upcoming film. Olivia Colman leads the recently announced newcomers, with Rachel Zegler, Antonio Banderas, and Emily Mortimer also joining the cast. A bit of bittersweet news, however. Mortimer replaces Sally Potter as Mrs. Brown, who starred in the first two “Paddington” films.
READ MORE: ‘Paddington In Peru’: Dougal Wilson Will Direct Third Film In Family-Friendly Franchise
As for Colman, she plays The Reverand Mother in the new film, a cheery, guitar-playing nun who runs the Home for Retired Bears. Banderas plays Hunter Cabot, a riverboat captain who helps the Brown family find Paddington’s birth parents in their latest adventure. Meanwhile, Zegler plays Cabot’s daughter Gina. Zegler may be too old to factor in as a love interest for Samuel Joslin‘s Jonathan Brown, but it’s been six years since “Paddington 2,” so maybe that’s in the cards.
It’s also uncertain if Joslin will return for the sequel. He’s still in talks to reprise his role, as is Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Madeleine Harris, and Imelda Staunton. However, Ben Whishaw and Hugh Bonnevile will be back as Paddington and Henry Brown, respectively.
Dougal Wilson will direct “Paddington In Peru” from a story by Paul King, Simon Farnaby, and Mark Burton, who all worked on “Paddington” and its sequel. Burton, Jon Foster, and James Lamont pen the film’s screenplay. On the production side of things, Heyman & Rosie Alison lead the way with Rob Silva. Executive producers include Paul King, Tim Wellspring, Jeffrey Clifford, Anna Marsh, Ron Halpern, and Dan MacRae. StudioCanal and Sony Pictures back and distribute the film.
It’s sad to see Hawkins depart from such an adored role. Well aware of this, the actress released a statement to press about her departure. “For me, it has felt the right time to hand the reins over to another,” said Hawkins, “and one can’t get much better than the truly wonderful Emily Mortimer, she is extraordinarily special. She will embody the essence of Mary Brown and yet make it utterly her own.”
“However, I am, and will always be in love with Paddington’s world,” Hawkins continued. “I already greatly miss my on and off-screen family – the experience of making the first two films has truly been some of the best and most creative times I have had in the world of film. They both gave me so much joy. I will forever hold them so very close to my heart indeed.”
Shooting begins for “Paddington In Peru” on July 24, so expect it in theaters sometime next year.
