Although he helmed both 2014’s Paddington and 2017’s Paddington 2, Paul King has revealed he will be walking away from directorial duties for the third movie centred on the marmalade-loving bear that is currently in the works.
In an interview with Empire, King confirmed he would no longer be directing Paddington 3 and feels it’s time to let another filmmaker take on the reins of the franchise.
“At some point, you just have to stop. It might be time for somebody else to do a twist on it. I’m trying not to do a third bear movie, which is a huge, huge mistake.”
King continued to note that the script for Paddington 3 is currently being written, and it’s possible the film series could keep going after the third instalment.
“It’s not like Paddington dies at the end,” King continued jokingly. “He doesn’t ascend into the sky on a rocket-powered marmalade jar.”
It’s not all bad news as King will still be attached to the project as an executive producer, and described his time on directing the first two Paddington movies as “one of the great treats of my life.”
Between them, Paddington and Paddington 2 grossed almost $500 million at the global box office, while the second instalment holds a 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and still holds the title of being the site’s best-reviewed movie of all time.
The Paddington series stars cast members Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Imelda Staunton, and Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington alongside new additions in Paddington 2 including Hugh Grant, Brendan Gleeson, Richard Ayoade, and Noah Taylor.
Are you looking forward to Paddington 3? Are you disappointed that Paul King is walking away as the director? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @flickeringmyth…
