Last week, we were lucky enough to get the trailer for Paddington In Peru, the third film in the PCU (Paddington Cinematic Universe). With a November 24th UK release date (January 7th for us unlucky souls in the United States), there hasn’t been a more anticipated movie ever. That is not hyperbole.
Paddington 2 is the third best sequel of all time, only behind The Godfather Part 2 and The Empire Strikes Back. As mentioned on this site, P2 usurped Citizen Kane to become the film with the highest-ever Rotten Tomatoes score of all time. With the first Paddington film, Paul King gave us an amazing and beautiful (plus very funny) story and the second film blows the first one away. To call Paddington 2 a great film would be an insult… it’s a goddamn fucking masterpiece.
Too often have I posted about Paddington 2 on social media and too often have people asked me, “This is just a bit, right? You’re just being a silly little trickster about this little kids movie?” There is no way for me to make this more clear: I am not joking about how excellent the movie is, and I am not kidding around when I say it is one of the best movies ever made. As proof, when the Fancy Boys Film Society came together to make a list of the best films of the 2010s, it was my number 4 film, only behind Mad Max: Fury Road, The Social Network, and Inside Llewyn Davis. All four of these films are perfect; 10/10, zero notes. But that also means there are HUGE expectations for our marmalade-loving friend.
So, what do we learn from the trailer?
THE STORY: Where the first two films tell us about Paddington Bear adjusting to his time in London, Paddington In Peru decides to flip the script and send our favorite bear back to where he came from. This time, it is the Brown family who are the fishes out of water, as they attempt to help Paddington locate his missing Aunt Lucy.
WHO IS MISSING?: There are two elements from the previous two films which will not be part of this film, and each one of them bums me out. The first is Sally Hawkins, who played Mary Brown. Hawkins has such a unique and captivating energy and it set up such a charming contrast between her and onscreen hubby Hugh Bonneville.
But perhaps the most troubling absence is the aforementioned Paul King, who wrote and directed the first two PCU films. He is still a producer and still has a “Story by” credit with his cohort Simon Farnaby, but King had moved on from the franchise to direct the absolutely delightful Wonka movie. Taking the reins is commercial director Dougal Wilson, mostly known for commercials, short films and music videos. This will be Wilson’s debut feature film, but looking at the trailer, it does seem as though he has done a good job keeping King’s style alive. We will just have to see if the script and film can keep King’s heart and care in it.
WHO IS NEW?: There is a lot to be excited about by looking at who is joining the cast. Where Paddington 2 had amazing performances from Hugh Grant (nominated for a BAFTA for his role) and Brendan Gleeson, Paddington In Peru also has a murderers row of great actors, including Antonio Banderas and Rachel Zegler. Filling Hawkins’ shoes will be Emily Mortimer, who I loved in Aaron Sorkin’s The Newsroom. But there is one bit of casting that has me so pumped.
OLIVIA COLMAN JOINS THE PCU! For the past decade, Colman has been, quite possibly, my favorite working actor, because there is nothing she can’t do. She just seems to know what every role needs and then gives it that and so much more. She is, obviously, brilliant in The Favourite, which won her the Oscar, but she easily could have won for other roles. In 2023, she was in two roles that just show how versatile she can be- she is the best part of Marvel’s Secret Invasion, going big and clearly having a blast doing so. But she also delivers one of the key scenes in season two of The Bear, where her voice stays tempered and even and considerate.
FINAL VERDICT ON THE TRAILER: Perhaps because Paddington 2 is so perfect, my expectations were sky high. Obviously, I’m worried by the lack of King’s steady hand and unique vision. But, if Paddington has taught us anything, it’s to be kind and hopeful and things will usually turn out ok if you do. So, I’m sticking with the bear.
See you in the theaters in January.
Fancy Boys Club 