Sony Pictures today officially announced via Twitter that their third “Paddington” film titled “Paddington In Peru” would be officially heading to theaters on January 17, 2025 (though it will open two months earlier in the U.K. on November 8, 2024). However, there is one big update on the casting front to add to that release date announcement as The Hollywood Reporter reveals that Rachel Zegler (“Snow White“) has had to exit the third installment due to the ongoing strike between the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA (Where Zegler is a member) and the studios led group known as the AMPTP. The two are expected to resume negotiations tomorrow and hopefully will end up making a fair deal together soon.
The report mentions that newcomer Carlo Tous will play the role of Gina Cabot, the part previously held by Zegler. This wasn’t the only casting shake-up, as Emily Mortimer had previously replaced Sally Hakwins as Mrs. Brown, the matriarch of Paddington’s adoptive family in London. As the title suggests, the setting will move to Peru. The rest of the cast consists of Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Jim Broadbent, Olivia Colman, and Antonio Banderas. Ben Whishaw and Imelda Staunton are also reprising their voice roles of Paddington and Aunt Lucy.
Of course, Paddington is the loveable bear from Peru who navigates living in London and is a beloved children’s character who eventually gets himself into mischief. The previous two films helmed by Paul King were praised by both critics and audiences alike, with King moving on to tackle Timothee Chalamet‘s “Wonka.”
Studio Canal and HeyDay Films released a synopsis for the pic:
The highly anticipated third Paddington film 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 to the mountain peaks of Peru.
“Paddington In Peru” hails from StudioCanal and Heyday Films, which has now completed filming on location in London, Peru, and Colombia. Sony will handle the aforementioned domestic release, with StudioCanal planning to release the pic on November 8, 2024, in the United Kingdom. It was directed by Dougal Wilson, who is making his debut with the franchise.
“It’s been a joy and an honor to shoot Paddington in Peru with such a wonderful and talented cast and crew,” Wilson wrote in a statement. “I feel incredibly lucky to have been blessed with such a lovely group of people, many of whom have returned to the world of this beloved bear. We are also delighted to have welcomed Emily, Olivia, Antonio, and Carla to the Paddington family.”
Check out the quick teaser announcement below.