Sally Hawkins did not return for Paddington in Peru, the third installment in the beloved Paddington film series, and producer Rosie Alison is now explaining why. The films chronicle the adventures of the titular Peruvian bear, who lives with the Brown family in London. This latest adventure sees Paddington discovering his aunt has gone missing from the Home for Retired Bears, prompting the Brown family to venture to the jungles of Peru to find her.
While Paddington in Peru maintains the presence of fan favorites Ben Whishaw and Hugh Bonneville, its cast also welcomes multiple new actors. During an interview with The New York Times surrounding the movie's release, producer Rosie Alison confirmed the reasons for Hawkins' absence from this threequel. Alison, who previously worked as an executive producer on the first two films, revealed the two-time Oscar nominee decided to step away from the role, feeling she had already contributed all she could to the character.
"We did everything we could to try and persuade her, but she felt she’d already brought everything she could to it," Alison noted. Hawkins' exit signifies a significant change for the series, as she played Mary Brown in the 2014 film and its 2018 sequel, Paddington 2. It's not every day audiences witness the recasting of such a prominent role, as this decision can shift viewer perceptions of familiar characters.
Fortunately, Paddington in Peru has been met with enthusiasm, currently holding a notable 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film's direction has shifted as well, with Dougal Wilson taking the helm following Paul King's acclaimed contributions. There's certainly anticipation surrounding Wilson, who is best known for his short films and music videos, as he embarks on his inaugural feature-length film.
Emily Mortimer has stepped up to embody Mary Brown, and she shared her experience of joining the franchise with just the right amount of warmth. Discussing her integration, Mortimer described how she was welcomed by the cast and crew. "I was welcomed with just such a sort of sweetness and warmth by everybody behind the camera and all the actors starting with Hugh [Bonneville], who always just sort of made me feel very welcome and like I wasn't an imposter," she conveyed during her conversation with CinemaBlend.
For Mortimer, the role of Mary Brown holds high responsibility, especially following Hawkins' standout performances. She expressed her initial apprehension about fitting in, but the supportive atmosphere quickly put her at ease. The third installment also introduces notable talents, including Antonio Banderas and Olivia Colman, enhancing the cast's diversity and charm.
Mortimer elaborated on the unexpected but delightful dedication she witnessed among the production team. "But, I think the thing really surprised me when I was there... the attention to detail, the specificity, the sense of responsibility to this character is really palpable," she remarked. This shared commitment to upholding the franchise's legacy undoubtedly helped her transition smoothly.
Despite the change, Mortimer seems to honor Hawkins’ groundwork well, adding her wit and subtle charm to the character. The film follows Paddington and the Brown family on their expedition to visit Aunt Lucy, though things quickly evolve beyond simple family visiting as they engage in what turns out to be quite the treasure hunt.
The absence of Hawkins certainly presents new challenges for the franchise. With change often brings uncertainty, especially when significant characters are replaced. Yet, Mortimer brings her own take to Mary Brown, potentially capturing hearts anew. Critics have hailed the film as another warm addition to the Paddington series, and early reactions suggest it will stack up alongside its predecessors as one of 2025's most heartwarming films.
Paddington himself remains the central figure of the series—voiced by Whishaw—who continues to deliver the beloved bear's charm and humor. Remaining key creative contributors include Simon Farnaby and Mark Burton, ensuring the film retains its signature tone and storytelling style, even with new leadership and direction.
With the groundwork laid by the previous films and the enthusiasm surrounding this installment's early reception, Paddington in Peru stands to not only continue the franchise's success but also usher in new narratives and experiences. The anticipation continues to build as audiences prepare for their next adventure with Paddington, promising laughs, heart, and the quaint charm fans have come to adore.
The film is set for wider release on November 8, 2024, and with its runtime clocking in at 106 minutes, it promises plenty of adventures alongside the enchanting bear.