Snow White Star Rachel Zegler Officially Exits Paddington 3

For the third Paddington film, Ben Whishaw is stepping back into the recording booth to voice the titular bear, a role he originated in 2014. Also returning is Imelda Staunton as Paddington’s Aunt Lucy, Julie Walters as Mrs. Bird, and Jim Broadbent as Samuel Gruber.

The Browns — Paddington’s adoptive family in London — are central to the series. Hugh Bonneville, Madeleine Harris, and Samuel Joslin reprise their roles to accompany Paddington on his next adventure. However, «Paddington in Peru» sees Emily Mortimer take over as Mrs. Brown, replacing Sally Hawkins.

«For me, it has felt the right time to hand the reins over to another, and one can’t get much better than the truly wonderful Emily Mortimer, she is extraordinarily special,» Hawkins said in a statement (via Variety). «… However, I am, and will always be in love with Paddington’s world. 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.»

There will be some changes behind the camera as well. Dougal Wilson is handling directorial duties in his feature film debut. Paul King helmed the first two installments.

This piece was written during 2023’s SAG-AFTRA strike. To learn more about why actors are currently on strike, click here for an up-to-date explainer from our Looper team.