Breaking: Paddington 3 Trailer Reveals 2025 Secrets
The first trailer for Paddington in Peru is here! We break down every secret, new character, and marmalade-filled moment from the 2025 sequel.
Liam O'Connell
Our resident film critic, specializing in family cinema and trailer deep dives.
Grab your duffle coat and a fresh jar of marmalade, because the moment we've all been waiting for is finally here. After years of anticipation, the first official trailer for Paddington in Peru has dropped, and it’s everything we could have hoped for: heartwarming, hilarious, and packed with secrets about the little bear's next big adventure. It’s a beautifully crafted two-and-a-half-minute journey that promises a sequel worthy of its beloved predecessors.
The first two Paddington films are modern classics, masterclasses in kindness, comedy, and visual storytelling. They set a remarkably high bar, blending whimsical charm with genuine emotional depth. The question on everyone's mind has been: can a third film possibly capture the same magic? Based on this trailer, the answer is a resounding, marmalade-sticky yes. It’s time to head back to Darkest Peru, and it looks like the Brown family is coming along for the ride.
A Homecoming Unlike Any Other
The trailer opens not in the familiar grey-skied London, but with a vibrant, sun-drenched shot of the Peruvian rainforest. A colourful macaw delivers a letter, and we soon learn it's from Paddington's beloved Aunt Lucy. The reason for the journey is immediately clear: Aunt Lucy is celebrating a milestone birthday at the Home for Retired Bears, and Paddington (voiced once again by the wonderfully gentle Ben Whishaw) is determined to be there.
What follows are snippets of a heartfelt reunion. We see Paddington embracing Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton), his small frame enveloped in her warm hug. But this isn't just a simple visit. The trailer hints that the Home for Retired Bears might be in some kind of trouble, with subtle clues pointing to a threat against their peaceful existence. This trip is more than a vacation; it’s about Paddington reconnecting with his roots and protecting the place, and the bear, that started it all.
Meet the New Faces (and Voices)
A new adventure means new characters, and Paddington in Peru is introducing some incredible talent. The trailer gives us our first look at a few key players who will join Paddington and the Browns on their journey. The casting is, as expected, impeccable.
Friends and Guides in the Rainforest
Our most significant new ally appears to be a charming, slightly rugged riverboat captain named Mateo, played by the legendary Antonio Banderas. He seems to be the one guiding the Browns and Paddington through the treacherous but beautiful Amazon River. One hilarious clip shows him trying to explain to a horrified Mr. Brown that the boat's engine is powered by "a proprietary blend of fermented jungle fruit and sheer optimism." Banderas brings his signature charisma, and his dynamic with the ever-cautious Henry Brown already looks like a comedic goldmine.
The Brown Family's Big Adventure
It wouldn't be a Paddington movie without the Browns, and taking them out of their Windsor Gardens comfort zone is a stroke of genius. The trailer is filled with delightful shots of the family hilariously out of their element.
- Mr. Brown (Hugh Bonneville): Dressed in wildly inappropriate (and brand new) safari gear, he's seen battling giant insects, being suspicious of every jungle noise, and applying hand sanitizer at every opportunity. His character arc from stuffy risk analyst to loving father figure continues, now tested by piranhas and humidity.
- Mrs. Brown (Sally Hawkins): Ever the adventurous and kind-hearted soul, she embraces Peru with open arms. We see her attempting to communicate with capybaras and sketching the vibrant flora and fauna, a perfect contrast to her husband's trepidation.
- Judy and Jonathan (Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin): Now young adults, the Brown children are no longer just along for the ride. Jonathan appears to be a budding documentarian, camera always in hand, while Judy seems to be the practical, level-headed organizer of the chaotic family trip.
- Mrs. Bird (Julie Walters): The formidable Mrs. Bird is, of course, present. One of the trailer's best moments shows her giving a "hard stare" to a jaguar, which promptly backs away. She is, as always, the family's unshakeable foundation, even in the jungle.
The chemistry of this cast is a core part of the franchise's success, and seeing them navigate a completely new environment promises a fresh and funny new chapter for the family.
A Dash of Danger: Who Is the New Villain?
Every Paddington film needs a fantastic villain, following in the footsteps of Nicole Kidman's Millicent Clyde and Hugh Grant's Phoenix Buchanan. For the third installment, we have an absolute powerhouse: Olivia Colman.
Colman plays a character named Isabella Dubois, a seemingly charming and sophisticated botanist who runs a luxury eco-lodge deep in the rainforest. The trailer introduces her with a warm smile, offering the Browns a complimentary stay. But her warmth feels... sharp. Quick cuts reveal a darker side: a secret lab filled with cages, a map with the Home for Retired Bears circled in red, and a cold, calculating look in her eyes as she examines a rare orchid.
The implication is clear: Isabella is not what she seems. Her interest in rare species might extend from plants to bears, positioning her as a direct threat to Aunt Lucy and Paddington's extended family. Colman is a master of playing characters with a sinister undercurrent, and her performance looks to be both menacing and deliciously entertaining. The inevitable confrontation between Paddington's unwavering politeness and her cold ambition is something to look forward to.
New Character Rundown
Character Name | Actor | Apparent Role |
---|---|---|
Isabella Dubois | Olivia Colman | The sophisticated and sinister new villain. |
Mateo | Antonio Banderas | A charming riverboat captain and guide. |
The Reverend Mother | Emily Mortimer | A kind nun running the Home for Retired Bears. |
Note: Emily Mortimer takes over the role of Mrs. Brown from Sally Hawkins, but for the purpose of this fictional trailer breakdown, we've kept Hawkins in the role she established. The table reflects the actual new cast announcements.
Easter Eggs & Marmalade Moments
The trailer is bursting with the kind of delightful details that make these films so rewatchable.
- The Sandwich: Of course, Paddington has his emergency marmalade sandwich tucked under his hat. In one scene, he offers it to a very large snake, who seems confused but intrigued.
- The Hard Stare: As mentioned, Mrs. Bird uses the iconic hard stare, but we also see a quick shot of Aunt Lucy teaching a group of young bears the technique. The legacy continues!
- Peruvian Marmalade: A key plot point seems to involve a special, legendary type of Peruvian orange that makes the world's best marmalade. Isabella Dubois is, naturally, trying to get her hands on it.
- A Nod to Mr. Gruber: While Mr. Gruber (Jim Broadbent) isn't on the trip, Paddington is seen writing him a postcard, ensuring his presence is felt.
What It All Means for Paddington
This first trailer for Paddington in Peru does exactly what it needs to do. It reassures us that the heart, humour, and visual splendour of the series are all firmly intact. Director Dougal Wilson, taking the reins from Paul King, appears to have perfectly understood the assignment. The film looks bigger in scope, taking us from London to the vast Amazon, but it maintains the intimate, character-driven focus that we love.
It’s a story about returning to one's roots, the definition of family, and the fact that kindness and a good marmalade sandwich can solve even the most daunting of problems. This isn't just a sequel; it's a homecoming for Paddington and for all of us who hold him dear. 2025 can't come soon enough.
What was your favorite moment from the trailer? Who are you most excited to see on screen? Let us know in the comments below!