Paddington in Peru (2024): A Warm Adventure That Walks Familiar Paths

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Paddington in Peru is the third feature film in the beloved Paddington franchise, bringing our charming marmalade-loving bear back to the big screen. Directed by newcomer Dougal Wilson, the film transports Paddington and the Brown family from London back to his roots in Peru for a heartfelt adventure filled with humor, family, and wonder.

Table of Contents

General Overview

Title: Paddington in Peru
Release: November 8, 2024 (UK) and February 14, 2025 (US) (Wikipedia)
Genre: Kids & Family, Adventure, Comedy (Rotten Tomatoes, Wikipedia)
Director: Dougal Wilson (feature debut) (Motion Picture Association, Wikipedia)
Screenwriters: Mark Burton, Jon Foster & James Lamont; story by Paul King, Simon Farnaby, Mark Burton (Wikipedia)
Cast: Ben Whishaw (voice of Paddington), Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas, Imelda Staunton as Aunt Lucy (voice) (Wikipedia, The Guardian, Decider, People.com)
Budget & Gross: $75–90 million budget; $192 million worldwide gross (Wikipedia)

Plot & Narrative Arc

In Paddington in Peru, the beloved bear receives a troubling letter from the Home for Retired Bears—his Aunt Lucy is missing. This prompts Paddington and the Brown family to journey to Peru, where they uncover mysteries hidden deep in the Amazon rainforest. With only a cryptic map as a clue, the family embarks on a quest filled with riverboats, lost cities, and colorful characters. Olivia Colman portrays the mischievous Reverend Mother overseeing the retirement home, while Antonio Banderas plays a roguish boat captain leading them deeper into the jungle in search of Aunt Lucy—and perhaps El Dorado

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Production & Visual Design

Dougal Wilson’s feature debut marked a departure from previous Paddington films—he initiated the project by immersing himself in Peru and Colombia to capture the essence of the locales. Second-unit footage of Amazon tributaries, Machu Picchu, and Andean landscapes provided backdrops while principal shooting occurred in UK studios with seamless VFX integration .

Filming locations included Lima’s historic center and Miraflores boardwalk, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Huayna Picchu mountain—cinematically showcasing Peru’s cultural and geographical gems .

Characters & Casting Refresh

This installment saw Emily Mortimer stepping into the role of Mrs. Brown, replacing Sally Hawkins. Wilson noted that Mortimer shared an emotional depth with Paddington, preserving the character’s nurturing core without explicit explanation in the story .

Olivia Colman delivers a scene-stealing performance as the dramatically eccentric Reverend Mother, while Antonio Banderas brings swashbuckling flair as Hunter Cabot, the enigmatic riverboat pilot .

Critical Reception & Audience Response

Cinematic Reviews:

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% critic rating, 90% audience score, lauding the film as “a most agreeable adventure for the whole family” BBC Culture: A competent addition that doesn’t surpass Paddington 2 in magic, but remains fun .
The Guardian: A cheery, cheeky entertainment with atmospheric nods to Indiana Jones and Herzog—though humor feels thinner without Hugh Grant .
BBC News (Guy Lambert): “Charming-enough, but slower and missing the wit and jeopardy of its predecessors”.
SFGate: Mixed review—fun for fans but emotionally lacking .
New Yorker: Highlights Wilson’s stylistic shift away from Paul King, blending jungle-adventure tropes with Paddington’s whimsical charm ).

Viewer Sentiment:

From Reddit/forums, responses vary:

“I resonated deeply … Paddington’s journey felt bittersweet and meaningful as someone with immigrant origins.
“I hoped for a more Peruvian feel, but the jungle felt generic—and there were no Peruvian actors.”

Many praised Olivia Colman and Banderas while noting the shift in tone could mean a less comedic, more earnest journey .

**Why Paddington in Peru Matters**

Continued Franchise Charm: Paddington remains a symbol of kindness, wit, and empathy, ideal for family viewing).
Visual Spectacle: Breathtaking settings and stylistic production feel grounded and immersive .
Immigrant Themes: The film touches on identity and belonging, resonating deeply with audiences sharing similar experiences .
A New Creative Voice: Dougal Wilson infuses the series with a blend of heartfelt humor and adventure, even though some longtime fans may miss Paul King’s touch .

Conclusion

Paddington in Peru delivers another warm-hearted chapter in the Paddington saga—capturing scenic beauty, family warmth, and a gentle moral core. While it doesn’t quite reach the comedic brilliance or emotional heights of the first two, it offers enough charm, adventurous spirit, and heartfelt moments to merit a watch—especially for families eager to share a comforting cinematic experience.