Ben Whishaw’s Paddington 3 Update Suggests The Sequel Is Not Coming Anytime Soon

Paddington in Peru, the third movie in the Paddington Bear franchise, has been in limbo for some time, and it seems that isn’t going to change soon.

The Paddington franchise delivered two almost-perfect movies, and fans of the Peruvian ursine were instantly wondering when he would be back again. While Paddington may have made an unexpected appearance as part of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of the U.K.’s Queen Elizabeth II last year, there has been no word on a potential third movie. Now Paddington himself, actor Ben Whishaw, has provided an update, but it may not be one that fans had hoped for.

According to the star, the future for Paddington 3 doesn’t look particularly positive and may not even happen. While speaking to Collider’s Steven Weintraub, Whishaw was asked about the current position of the threequel, and he commented:

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“I haven’t read this script and I don’t even know when we’re due to shoot it. I don’t know. I thought it would be happening by now, but I don’t know. It’s gone silent in the way that sometimes these things do. Maybe that just means they’re still working on it, or maybe it means it’s not happening, or you just don’t know.”

While it is certainly not a complete shutdown of Paddington’s potential return, it at least means that there won’t be a sign of Paddington 3 for at least a few more years.

Related: Paddington in Peru: Famous British Actors Who Could Play the Next Villain

Why Is Paddington 3 Stuck in Development Hell?

Via: Heyday Films

Paddington’s first live-action adventure was released in 2014 under the direction of Paul King, and while it was certainly successful, it was not as perfect a movie as the sequel that arrived three years later. However, having seemingly hit the bullseye with Paddington 2, it seemed there was no way of stopping a third movie.

However, in June 2022, an update finally arrived, announcing the departure of King with Dougal Wilson taking over to helm the third movie, which was given the title of Paddington in Peru. At the time, Wilson spoke about joining the franchise, saying:

“As a huge fan of the first two films, I am very excited (if not a little intimidated) to be continuing the story of Paddington. It’s a massive responsibility, but all my efforts will be focused on making a third film that honors the love so many people have for this very special bear.”

Despite departing the movie, Paul King was happy to be handing over the helm to Wilson, and from the comments he made, it was not an easy decision as Paddington had clearly made an impact on him. He said:

“After ten years of working on the Paddington movies, I feel absurdly protective of the little bear, and I’m delighted that Dougal will be there to hold his paw as he embarks on his third big-screen adventure. Dougal’s work is never less than astounding: funny, beautiful, heartfelt, imaginative, and totally original. Aunt Lucy once asked us to ‘Please Look After This Bear.’ I know Dougal will be so admirably.”

We can only wait to find out whether we get to see Paddington’s adventure in Peru, but it would be expected that the first person to know of the movie’s progress would be Paddington’s voice. If Whishaw hasn’t seen a script, then fans had better sit in for a long haul wait to see Paddington in Peru.

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