Bear-y good news: ‘Paddington 3’ is officially happening

Everyone’s favorite marmalade-loving, raincoat-sporting bear is finally returning to the big screen, as the third Paddington film is set to begin filming this summer.

As reported by Deadline, Paddington In Peru will start production on July 24. Commercial and music video director Dougal Wilson will be making his feature debut with the film, taking the reins from Paul King, director of the first two Paddington films. King is still involved though, having helped devise the story along with past Paddington collaborators Simon Farnaby and Mark Burton. BurtonJon Foster, and James Lamont penned the screenplay, and while the plot is still under wraps, the title implies Paddington will be returning to his home of deepest, darkest Peru.

The cast has not yet been announced, although Deadline has heard it will be a combination of new and returning actors. Our dream addition to the Paddington team? Florence Pugh, who only recently mentioned she would love to be in a Paddington movie. (In 2020, Pugh and Paddington also tweeted about making marmalade sandwiches together.)

With glowing reviews and several BAFTA nominations under its belt, Paddington has become one of the most beloved franchises of all time. In 2018, Paddington 2 even held the title of the best-reviewed film on Rotten Tomatoes. (Leave No Trace holds that honor now.) So it’s no surprise that the announcement of Paddington In Peru calls for celebration — we can bear-ly wait.