Hugh Bonneville has officially ruled out a return to the Paddington Cinematic Universe as Mr. Brown. This announcement comes as the franchise prepares for the release of its latest installment, Paddington in Peru, scheduled to hit theaters on April 1, 2026.
The new film follows Paddington as he travels back to Peru to visit his Aunt Lucy, only to discover that she has gone missing. He teams up with the Brown family to search for her, continuing the beloved bear’s adventures.
Bonneville, who has been a part of the Paddington franchise since the first movie in 2014, expressed his feelings about stepping away from the role, stating, “I don’t think so. I really don’t. I’ve loved it, but I’m getting on a bit.” He added, “It’s a younger man’s job, but you can get other actors in and it will work just as well, because it’s all about the bear.”
The film is directed by Dougal Wilson and is set to be available on Sky Cinema and NOW. Bonneville appeared in both the original Paddington movie and its sequels, which were released in 2017 and 2024. His departure from the role marks a significant change for the franchise.
In addition to Paddington in Peru, a fourth Paddington film has been confirmed by Studiocanal CEO Anna Marsh, who stated, “There will be a fourth film. We’re thinking about the next movies and we’re working on a new TV series as well as the stage show musical with Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley.” This indicates that the Paddington franchise continues to expand, even as Bonneville steps back.
As fans await the new film, reactions to Bonneville’s departure have been mixed, with many expressing nostalgia for his portrayal of Mr. Brown. The franchise has garnered a dedicated following since its inception, and the upcoming film is highly anticipated.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding who will take over the role of Mr. Brown in future projects, but the Paddington brand remains strong and continues to evolve.
