Paddington 3 Can Break The Trilogy Curse
It can be very challenging to make a good children’s movie, as demonstrated currently by the critically struggling The Garfield Movie. That is why in 2014, Paddington was such a breath of fresh air for what a well-done movie it was that the entire family could enjoy. But with Paddington 3, Paddington in Peru, set to come out next year, it now has the opportunity to do something even more impressive: finish a movie trilogy with no bad movies in it.
Paddington’s Past Near-Perfect Performances
The first Paddington got glowing reviews from both critics and fans, currently sitting at a 97 percent approval on Rotten Tomatoes. Paddington 2 arguably was even better, with a 99 percent approval rating. If Paddington 3 can keep that momentum, I think it might just be the best movie of the bunch and give fans a timeless trilogy.
The live-action film adaptations of Paddington won over audiences with their earnest messages, clever jokes, and authenticity to the original character. Many children’s characters brought to the big screen get reduced to regurgitating dated memes, having modern pop music shoehorned into the film, and becoming wacky caricatures of themselves. But the Paddington movies are so cozy and heartfelt that they have people genuinely excited about further adventures of the bear in Paddington 3, myself included.
Paddington Under Pressure
However, Paddington 3 does have some challenges. For one, though Paul King did work on the story, he is not returning to direct after the first two films. Also, Paddington 3 has lost its original Mrs. Brown, with the charming Sally Hawkins opting not to return and being replaced by Emily Mortimer.
So we will see if those missing ingredients impact replicating the fun of the first two movies.
Will It Break The Trilogy Curse?
Another struggle for Paddington 3 is that trilogies are just hard to stick the landing on. Even something as beloved as the original Star Wars trilogy would have most fans agree that Return of the Jedi was the weakest entry. Going out on a flat note can hamper the lasting reputation of a series knowing that it does not have a satisfying ending.
It adds more pressure to the sequel, especially given how well-received the prior two entries were.
Paddington’s Added Star Power
Still, there are certainly positives in Paddington 3’s favor. It will have some added star power in the form of Antonio Banderas joining the cast, as well as up-and-comer Rachel Zegler who got her big start in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. The majority of the previous movie’s cast are also returning to reprise their roles, including Ben Whishaw as Paddington. No word as of yet whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be returning to voice Paddington in the Ukrainian version again.
The Best Trilogy Ever?
There aren’t too many children’s movies that are popular enough to warrant three entries, let alone all three being solid films. So if Paddington 3 does hit it out of the park, there will likely be a great case to call it the best children’s film trilogy ever made.
Paddington 3, Paddington in Peru, is set to release in theaters on January 17, 2025.
