If you’re a fan of children’s films and good films, in general, odds are you’ve seen (and enjoyed) the first two “Paddington” films. Even though they’ve never been world-conquering hit films, both pulled in well over $200 million worldwide off of modest budgets. And to make matters even better for the franchise, critics have universally praised the franchise with the two films receiving 98% and 100%, respectively, on Rotten Tomatoes. So, it’s no surprise that “Paddington 3” is in development. However, the threequel is probably going to be missing one of the crucial ingredients from the first two films.
According to a new interview on Empire, “Paddington” producer David Heyman says work has begun on “Paddington 3” but the film will be the first to be helmed by a director other than Paul King.
READ MORE: ‘Paddington’ Director Paul King To Helm Live-Action ‘Pinocchio’ For Disney
The producer says, “I don’t think Paul King will direct the third. He did the first two – he and I are working on another project together. He’s very special, Paul. We’re developing a third ‘Paddington.’ We haven’t got a script yet, we’ve got a treatment which we’re still working on.”
For those fans of the first two films that feel a bit ill after reading that statement, never fear, King is still working on the film, albeit in a lesser capacity. Heyman continues, “Paul is involved in it, I wanted him to be involved in it because I think he’s such a significant voice, but I don’t think he’ll direct it. He worked on the idea. He comes up with the idea with Simon Farnaby and Mark Burton and then they develop it and come back for more, back and forth, and then it’ll get written and Paul will come in and stir it up a little bit. But he’s an incredible collaborator, Paul.”
READ MORE: ‘Paddington’ Director Paul King To Helm ‘Willy Wonka’ Reboot
Paul King is perhaps best known for his two “Paddington” films, but prior to tackling the story of a talking bear, the director helmed episodes of the TV series “The Mighty Boosh” as well as the film “Bunny and the Bull.” After the success of the “Paddington” franchise, King has been quickly snatched up to develop a new ‘Willy Wonka’ prequel film and a live-action “Pinocchio” for Disney. It appears that his busy schedule is probably the main reason for not sticking around for the third “Paddington” film.
There’s no release date for “Paddington 3,” as the producer says that the script is still being developed, but we can rest assured that it’s coming, albeit with a new director attached.