Yahoo Movies Hugh Bonneville addresses Paddington 3's Mrs Brown recasting
Hugh Bonneville has addressed Paddington 3's recasting of Mrs Brown.
The third film, titled Paddington in Peru, not only has Dougal Wilson directing instead of Paul King, but it also has Emily Mortimer playing Mrs Brown instead of Sally Hawkins.
Speaking to Empire, Bonneville said of the situation: "We're not pretending it's anything other than a straight swap.
"There has not been a hideous divorce or anything. Emily just seemed like a perfect fit."
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Wilson added that: "We were lucky to get Emily. She's radiant and warm and so clever; she's a writer herself so she's wonderful at ad-libbing. It's a tough role: She's the emotional core of the Browns and the most emotionally connected with Paddington."
When the recasting was announced, Hawkins herself spoke about how there was no drama surrounding the decision – she just wanted to move on to something else.
"For me, it has felt the right time to hand the reins over to another, and one can't get much better than the truly wonderful Emily Mortimer, she is extraordinarily special," Hawkins said.
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"I am, and will always be, in love with Paddington's world. I already greatly miss my on- and off-screen family.
"The experience of making the first two films has truly been some of the best and most creative times I have had in the world of film. They both gave me so much joy. I will forever hold them so very close to my heart indeed."
A further change saw Rachel Zegler drop out of the film after being cast due to the Hollywood strikes that took place last year. Carla Tous stepped into the role of Gina Cabot instead.
Paddington and Paddington 2 are back in cinemas this month (times and dates vary). Paddington in Peru will be released in UK cinemas on November 8, 2024, and in US cinemas on January 17, 2025.
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