Paddington in Peru marks the third installment in the Paddington film series, based on Michael Bond’s beloved 1958 book A Bear Called Paddington. Paul King directed the previous two films (released in 2014 and 2017). They received overwhelmingly positive (and well-deserved) critical acclaim, both still rank among the highest-rated films on Rotten Tomatoes. King, however, stepped away from directing and writing duties to helm Wonka (2023), though he retains a Story By credit here. Taking his place is first-time director Dougal Wilson, who delivers a competent effort but never quite captures the impeccable balance of humor, heart, and pure optimism that made the first two films feel like a warm hug.
The ever-adorable and endlessly charming Paddington remains as lovable as ever, but this time, the setting shifts from London to Peru as he embarks on a journey to find his Aunt Lucy. A major source of comedy in the previous films came from watching the well-mannered bear navigate city life, creating hilarious clashes with Hugh Bonneville’s Henry Brown, the ultimate risk-averse, proper British father. While Paddington in Peru opens with a delightful sequence where Paddington struggles to take a passport photo, it quickly leaves London behind, and in doing so, it loses that essential “bear out of water” dynamic.
And that’s where the film stumbles. Paddington’s clumsiness no longer contrasts with strict British etiquette, and the Brown family is now fully accustomed to his quirks, eliminating the charming conflicts that defined their previous adventures. Instead, they’re each given individual (and forgettable) side plots, in a way that feels reminiscent of Despicable Me or Ice Age sequels, where every character is handed a small arc to keep them busy. Bonneville’s Henry Brown, in particular, has a diminished role, and his interactions with Paddington, once a comedic and emotional backbone of the series, are sorely missed. Meanwhile, the recasting of Mrs. Brown is noticeable, and though Emily Mortimer does a fine job, it’s hard not to feel the absence of Sally Hawkins. On the bright side, Julie Walters still gets a few good comedic moments.
By shifting the story to Peru, the creative team had an opportunity to bring fresh energy to the series. Instead, neither the setting nor the premise feels particularly involving. Rather than being at the heart of the adventure, Paddington and the Browns feel more like bystanders placed in someone else’s story.
That said, the supporting cast is still a highlight. Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas join the series, and both absolutely understand the assignment, effortlessly transitioning into the heightened, playful energy of a children’s film. Banderas, in particular, is a joy to watch, leaning into exaggerated expressions in a way that recalls his SpongeBob character. The film’s biggest laughs come from them, especially Banderas’ interactions with his ghostly visions, rather than from Paddington’s usual antics. Unfortunately, Paddington’s own comedic sequences feel less inventive, lacking the meticulous setup and payoff that made the humor in the first two films so effective. Take, for example, the joke involving a steering wheel on a boat, it’s an amusing idea, but the execution lacks the precise comedic build-up that Paul King mastered so well.
Visually, the film is serviceable but lacks the same distinct personality. The more elaborate set pieces are handled competently (a boulder chase in the third act is genuinely well-done), but much of the direction feels functional rather than inspired. The emotional beats, too, don’t quite land with the same warmth, and the deep love shared between Paddington and the Browns isn’t conveyed as powerfully as before.
Given the premise alone, Paddington in Peru was always going to face an uphill battle living up to its predecessors. Paddington himself remains delightful, and the animation work on him continues to impress, but there’s a certain magic missing, turning this into a sequel that feels more like the kind of routine expansion typical of animated franchises, rather than the masterful follow-up that Paddington 2 was. Where that film found a way to take everything that worked and elevate it, this one feels more like an obligatory next chapter, with just enough charm to pass but not enough to leave a lasting impression. One can’t help but walk away slightly disappointed, picturing Paddington’s own sad, understanding expression of regret.
- 1. Sinners
- 2. Shepherds (Bergers)
- 3. The Ballad of Wallis Island
- 4. Kiss of the Spider Woman
- 5. One of Them Days
- 49. Paddington in Peru
- Where to watch
Crave- Where to watch
Prime Video
Play trailer
- Original title
- Paddington in Peru
- Director
- Dougal Wilson
- Cast
- Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Samuel Joslin, Madeleine Harris, Antonio Banderas, Carla Tous, Olivia Colman
- Rated
- PG
- Screenwriter
- Jon Foster, James Lamont, Paul King, Simon Farnaby, Mark Burton
- Composer
- Dario Marianelli
- Cinematography
- Erik Wilson
- Editor
- Úna Ní Dhonghaíle
- Country
- Language
- English
- Budget
- $90 million
- Box office
- $211 million