Filming will begin on Paddington 3 next year as its director and title is confirmed

Most recently seen snacking with the Queen during her Platinum Jubilee weekend, it’s been confirmed that a third Paddington film will be made next year.

The two films in the series so far have been massive hits in the UK and abroad. The films follow a lost bear from Peru who finds himself lost in London. Fortunately, he is adopted by the Brown family, who name him Paddington. It’s at that station he’s found, wearing a tag that says, “Please look after this bear”.

Today it’s been confirmed that STUDIOCANAL and Heyday Films are working on a third film.

Titled Paddington in Peru, it will see our hero travel back to the land of his birth, no doubt having lots of adventures along the way.

Directing the film will be Dougal Wilson. He said: “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 focussed on making a third film that honours the love so many people have for this very special bear.”

Wilson has a long list of advertising and music video credits. His best-known work is the heartwarming John Lewis adverts.

He takes over from Paul King, who directed the first two films. King commented: “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 do so admirably.”

Producer David Heyman, who was also behind the Harry Potter blockbusters added: “After an exacting search, we’re delighted that the brilliant Dougal Wilson will be directing the third Paddington film.

“A much-garlanded legend within the Commercials world, we have long admired Dougal’s virtuoso work, and his gift for directing with heart, humour, surprise and vivid imaginative flair. He’s a wonderfully inventive kindred spirit for Paddington’s latest adventure with the Browns, and we’re thrilled to be working with him.”

Principal photography is scheduled to start in the UK and Peru in 2023. The film could be released ahead of Christmas that year, which is the time of year previous films were released.