Paddington Bear has been granted an official UK passport from the Home Office.
The co-producer of the upcoming third instalment in the film series revealed the Peruvian-born character was given a passport for his travels in Paddington in Peru.
Rob Silva told Radio Times: ‘We wrote to the Home Office, asking if we could get a replica, and they actually issued Paddington with an official passport – there’s only one of these.
‘You wouldn’t think the Home Office would have a sense of humour, but under official observations, they’ve just listed him as Bear.
The passport also includes Paddington’s birthdate, June 25, his surname Brown and his gender as well as his British nationality and South American country Peru as his birthplace.
Paddington Bear has been granted a UK passport from the Home Office for his new movie
The co-producer of the upcoming third instalment in the film series revealed the Peruvian-born character has been given a passport for his travels in Paddington in Peru
The film follows the iconic bear, brought to life through animation and voiced by Ben Whishaw, as he travels abroad to visit Aunt Lucy in his homeland.
Directed by Dougal Wilson, it sees Hugh Bonneville return as Mr. Brown and Imelda Staunton will once again play Aunt Lucy.
Whishaw explained that taking Paddington to Peru will give audiences a different side of the beloved character. ‘
The actor told Empire: ‘He connects with his country, and his bearishness.
‘It’s the thing that makes him relatable, strangely. On the one hand, he’s learned how to be polite and civil and do the correct British thing.
‘And on the other, he’s a bear who’s clumsy and leaves chaos in his wake.
‘That’s why children like him, because children are in the same position.’
Olivia Coleman has also joined the cast as she transforms into a nun to play the Reverend Mother in the franchise.
Ben Whishaw, who has been the voice of Paddington for all three films, is interviewed by Radio Times
The passport also includes Paddington’s birthdate, June 25, his surname Brown and his gender as well as his British nationality and Peru as his birthplace
Paddington In Peru lands in cinemas on November 8, 2024
However fans were left shocked as they realised Sally Hawkins is not returning as Mrs. Brown, and has instead been recast.
Emily Mortimer, who is best known for starring in HBO’s The Newsroom, has stepped into the role as the family set off on their latest adventure.
Talking about her decision to step away from the film, Sally previously explained: ‘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.
‘She will embody the essence of Mary Brown and yet make it utterly her own. However, 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.’
The film sees Hugh Bonneville (pictured) return as Mr Brown and Ben Whishaw is back to voice Paddington and Imelda Staunton will once again play Aunt Lucy
However fans were left shocked as they realised Sally Hawkins (L) is not returning as Mrs Brown, and has instead been recast with Emily Mortimer (R)
She added, ‘They both gave me so much joy. I will forever hold them so very close to my heart indeed.’
As the trailer begins, Paddington struggles to get to grips with the photobooth as he attempts to pose for his passport photo.
Removing the marmalade sandwich he always makes sure to keep in his hat for when he is feeling peckish, Paddington leaves the booth with some rather chaotic snaps after he loses control of the spinning chair.
Later on as the family arrive at the Home for Retired Bears, the Reverend Mother breaks the news that Aunt Lucy’s whereabout are unknown.
‘I am afraid she has set off on some sort of quest deep in the jungle, and we have no idea where she is,’ the actress explains.
Determined to find her, Paddington adds: ‘Aunt Lucy found me when I was a cub, and now I have to find her. We have to try’.
The film also stars Antonio Banderas, Julie Walters, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Carla Tous and Jim Broadbent.
Paddington 3 will hit cinemas on November 8, 2024.