Paddington In Peru is more than just a continuation of the beloved series; it’s a heartfelt exploration of identity, home, and adventure. As Paddington and the Browns embark on this new journey, audiences can look forward to an experience that expands the bear’s world while staying true to the qualities that have made Paddington a timeless character.
The magic of Paddington Bear has long captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. He was created by British author Michael Bond as inspired to create Paddington after buying a teddy bear for his wife on Christmas Eve in 1956, and was named after Paddington Station in London, where Bond found the bear in his story. He made his debut in the children’s book A Bear Called Paddington in 1958.
Paddington has become a beloved figure in British culture and the movies have introduced this charming character to a new generation of audiences worldwide. Each film in the Paddington series has brought something unique to the table, from Paddington’s initial journey to London, his heartfelt quest in the second film, to his return to Peru in the latest installment. The series has captivated audiences with its charm, humour, and positive messages.
- Paddington (2014) introduced audiences to a polite and lovable bear from Peru who finds himself in London after being separated from his Aunt Lucy. Taken in by the Brown family, Paddington’s adventures in the bustling city were filled with humour, heart, and the challenges of adapting to a new life. The film beautifully captured his journey to find belonging and the warmth of the Brown family’s acceptance. Directed by Paul King, the screenplay was written by King, from a story by Hamish McColl.
- Paddington 2 (2017) followed Paddington as he tried to buy the perfect gift for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday. His quest led him to take on various odd jobs, but his hard-earned money was stolen by a devious neighbour. Paddington’s determination to retrieve the stolen money and his unwavering kindness made for an even more heartwarming and adventurous story. It was directed by Paul King from a screenplay by King, and Simon Farnaby as co-writer.
- Paddington in Peru (2024) is the latest instalment that takes Paddington back to his roots in Peru. Joined by the Brown family, Paddington travels to the Amazon rainforest and the mountain peaks of Peru to visit Aunt Lucy at the Home for Retired Bears. Along the way, they encounter a mystery that leads to thrilling adventures through the beautiful landscapes of Peru. While this film is slightly longer than its predecessors and directed by Dougal Wilson instead of Paul King, it maintains the emotional and comedic heartbeat of the series. It is directed by Dougal Wilson from a screenplay by Mark Burton, Jon Foster and James Lamont, from a story by Paul King, Simon Farnaby and Mark Burton.
“Paddington is still happily living with the Browns in Windsor Gardens in London” says director Dougal Wilson, setting up where we find Paddington at the start of this new adventure. “He is writing to his Aunt Lucy to tell her what’s been going on.” However, as time has passed, the Brown family find themselves increasingly busy with their individual pursuits. Judy is applying to university, Jonathan has become a reclusive teenager, and Mr. Brown is preoccupied with a new challenge at work under a demanding boss. Mrs. Brown, the family’s emotional core, notices the growing distance and yearns for a solution to bring everyone together.”
Paddington In Peru asks profound questions about the nature of home and belonging. Dougal elaborates, “What does home really mean? Where really is home? Is it a place? Is it a feeling? Is it where you are from? Or is it where you end up?”
By contrasting Paddington’s life in London with his roots in Peru, the film offers a rich narrative that resonates on multiple levels.
“When he was a cub, Aunt Lucy sent Paddington to London, and he didn’t have a choice in the matter” adds Producer, Rosie Alison. “He came and found a home in London, and he’s loved it. Though of course he will think about home and his aunt is still there. It just seemed natural for him to go back and revisit his roots. Paddington is thinking about what family is, what is home, where do I belong?”
Executive Producer Rob Silva emphasises the film’s expansive scope: “It’s a true adventure film, but in a ‘Paddingtonian’ way. We see huge landscapes, glorious environments, and have chase sequences.” Despite the grandeur of the adventure, Rob assures that “it maintains the charm and warmth that fans love about Paddington.”
This third chapter in Paddington’s film journey marks the directorial debut of Dougal Wilson who discusses his reactions to be the one to continue Paddington’s story on screen. “I was entirely aware of the legacy I was attempting to continue” he admits. “I was such a fan of the first two films—their style, humour, and creativity. I thought, maybe I could contribute to this series in my own way and continue the story. But I am under no illusions about how much expectation there is for this third film.”
Dougal sought to carry forward the unique style that Paul King, who remains in Paddington’s world as Executive Producer on the film and as part of the story team, established in the first two films. “I thought it would be great fun to continue the style that Paul King had so brilliantly set up, using the feeling that the stories created in London and applying that to a place that wasn’t London. I aimed to bring that style, tone, and inventiveness to Peru.”
Dougal’s deep admiration for the previous Paddington films is evident. “I’ve always admired the storytelling, the heightened style, the humour, the gentle warm Britishness, and the ingenious visuals. I also deeply admire the incredible animation from Framestore that makes you believe this little bear is real. I just wanted to jump at the opportunity to be part of all that.”
For Rosie Alison, and the other producing team it was important that they undertook a careful search for a director to take over from Paul King. “Paul set a very high bar with the first two Paddington films” she says. “So, we thought long and hard and had a very exacting search for a director. We’re absolutely thrilled to have found Dougal. Like Paul, he has a wonderfully inventive visual ingenuity and imagination. He can also make you laugh and cry, which is crucial for Paddington. Dougal really embodies the Paddington spirit.”
Rob Silva, notes Wilson’s ability to convey comedy and humour in a way that marries perfectly with the tone of the Paddington world. “As a person, he has this effusive generosity of spirit that is so important in making the Paddington films, and it really comes across in the film itself.”
“He’s constantly dreaming up new, wonderful, inventive ideas, which is right for the films” continues Rosie. “He has a wonderful heart, and the truth of emotion comes through very strongly with Dougal. He is naturally funny, and that always feeds into his work. He had a whole suite of qualities that just felt right for Paddington.”
Dougal’s approach to directing has garnered admiration from all the cast including British icon Julie Walters who returns as Mrs. Bird. “I love him. I think I might marry Dougal,” she jokes. “He creates a fantastic space for the actors. He’s really funny and open, and that’s important in directing.”
With Dougal at the helm, the new Paddington film promises to continue the beloved legacy while infusing it with fresh, inventive energy.
Celebrating the vivid, lush, and colourful world of Peru for the film was an exciting challenge for the production, one that required an exceptional blend of on-location shooting and intricate set design. The filmmakers were dedicated to ensuring that the adventure felt as real and immersive as possible, capturing the spirit of Peru through both practical and creative means.
Rob Silva, Executive Producer, emphasises the importance of using real landscapes and shooting on location in South America to give the adventure a genuine feel. “When we set out to make this film, it was important to us that the adventure felt real. We didn’t want to have CG backdrops and for it to feel inorganic. We went to Peru, we went to Colombia, and we filmed these natural landscapes, so it really feels like it has scale.”
Dougal Wilson echoes this sentiment, explaining the hybrid approach they adopted. “We went over to South America, and I spent almost two months out in Peru and Colombia looking at locations. We shot a lot in Peru, in the Andes, in and around the Vilcabamba, and also the Machu Picchu area. It was great to continue the Paddington tradition of being a very British production, but we combined that with environments and exterior locations that we shot in South America.”
Returning to the world of Paddington has been a joyous reunion for Animation Director Pablo Grillo who has been the lead animator for Paddington since the first film. “It has been a while,” he reflects, “and it means a lot of familiar faces, which is so lovely. To be back with the same group of crew, which is so warm and generous, but to also have lots of new faces at the party, brings fresh angles and energy.”
“In this film we have a lot of movement” Pablo explains, highlighting the adventure Paddington goes on whilst in Peru. “Paddington has to navigate through a lot of leaves and foliage, transforming landscapes, which aren’t just flat ground.” This complexity adds layers to the animation process, making every scene a technical marvel. “When you’re dealing with an ensemble that also makes it very complicated” he adds. “You need to make sure everybody’s looking in the right place.” For the visual effects team, these challenges are solved using innovative solutions. “We have to find novel approaches during principal photography to ensure Paddington’s interactions work with the live-action space. Whether it’s deciding to replace a real plant with a digital one, or using props to mimic Paddington for actor interactions, we constantly make choices to bring him to life.”
Dougal Wilson emphasizes that Paddington changes the people around him through his good nature. “Paddington embodies qualities that we all admire: integrity, kindness, tolerance, and fair play. These are enduring qualities, universal qualities, and people see Paddington as a wonderful embodiment of them.”
“I think people feel very protective about Paddington” adds Rosie Alison. “He reminds them of their own most innocent self. In these very challenging times, what could be more necessary than an innocent, good character who shines a light on our world and encourages kindness and fair play in others?”
Paddington Bear, with his unwavering kindness, curiosity, and optimism, continues to teach us valuable lessons about love, belonging, and the importance of seeing the good in others. In Paddington In Peru his adventures remind us that no matter where we come from, we can find a place to belong and make a difference in the world. In a world that often feels divided, Paddington’s simple yet profound messages of kindness and acceptance are more relevant than ever.
The Writing Process
The writing process for the Paddington films is a fascinating blend of creativity, collaboration, and meticulous planning. Here’s a glimpse into how the scripts came to life:
- Collaborative Effort – The scripts for the Paddington films were a collaborative effort involving multiple writers. For the first two films, Paul King was the primary writer, with contributions from Hamish McColl for the story in the first film and Simon Farnaby for the screenplay in the second film. For “Paddington in Peru,” the writing team expanded to include Mark Burton, Jon Foster, and James Lamont, with the story by Paul King, Simon Farnaby, and Mark Burton.
- Staying True to the Source Material – The writers aimed to stay true to the spirit of Michael Bond’s original books while bringing Paddington to a modern audience. They carefully crafted storylines that would resonate with both children and adults, capturing the timeless charm and whimsy of the beloved bear.
- Blending Humor and Heart – A key aspect of the writing process was balancing humor with heartfelt moments. The writers infused the scripts with Paddington’s signature politeness and endearing personality, ensuring that the films would be both funny and emotionally touching. This balance was crucial in creating films that would appeal to a wide audience.
- Character Development – The writers focused on developing not just Paddington but also the supporting characters, such as the Brown family and the various antagonists. Each character was given depth and personality, contributing to the richness of the story and the overall experience of the films.
- Incorporating Modern Themes – While staying true to the source material, the writers also incorporated modern themes and settings. For example, “Paddington 2” touches on issues like community and acceptance, while “Paddington in Peru” explores Paddington’s roots and identity, reflecting contemporary societal issues in a way that feels relevant and engaging.
- Iterative Process – The writing process was iterative, with multiple drafts and revisions. Feedback from producers, directors, and other creative team members was essential in refining the scripts. This iterative process helped ensure that the final scripts were polished, coherent, and ready for production.
- Challenges and Innovations – Writing for a film that combines live-action with CGI required innovative thinking. The writers had to envision how Paddington would interact with the real world and create scenes that would be visually compelling while staying true to the character’s essence.
The writing process for the Paddington films was a labor of love, marked by collaboration, creativity, and a deep respect for the original source material. It resulted in films that have delighted audiences around the world and cemented Paddington’s place as a beloved cinematic icon.
Director Dougal Wilson is well known for his music videos and commercials. His many ads include those for Apple, Ikea, The BBC, and Amnesty International. Wilson’s Christmas adverts for UK department store John Lewis have become a widely talked-about part of British popular culture. Amongst his many industry awards and honours, Wilson’s film, WE’RE THE SUPERHUMANS for the Channel 4 Paralympics, garnered two Black D&AD Pencils and the Film Grand Prix at Cannes Lions. He was also nominated by the DGA for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials in 2020. PADDINGTON IN PERU marks his feature film directorial debut.
Mark Burton is a British television writer, screenwriter, television producer, film producer, and film director. He is known for his work on animated films such as “Madagascar”, “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit”, and “Shaun the Sheep Movie”. He has also written and directed several other projects, including “Early Man” and “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon”.
Jon Foster is a British screenwriter and producer. He is known for his collaborations with James Lamont, including writing for “The Amazing World of Gumball”, “Wasted”, and “The Adventures of Paddington”. He also co-wrote the “Paddington meets the Queen” sketch for the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II.
James Lamont, also credited as J.D. Lamont, is a British screenwriter known for his frequent collaborations with Jon Foster. He has worked on projects such as “The Amazing World of Gumball”, “Wasted”, and “The Adventures of Paddington”. He has won several awards, including BAFTA Children’s Awards and an Emmy for “The Adventures of Paddington”.
Paul King is a British filmmaker and writer, best known for directing and co-writing the “Paddington” films. He has also worked on various television projects and is recognized for his unique storytelling style.
Simon Farnaby is a British actor, writer, and comedian. He has written for television shows such as “The Amazing World of Gumball” and “Wasted”, and has appeared in various films and TV series. He is known for his comedic talent and creative contributions to the entertainment industry.
