As Paddington Bear makes his return to theaters this weekend – debuting his third film in a decade – Ben Whishaw, the voice behind the beloved marmalade enthusiast, admits he had “no clue” that the character would become a significant asset for the UK film sector.
In an interview with Sky News, the actor revealed that when he first contributed his voice for the inaugural film, he was unsure of what he was “getting into.”
He continued: “I had no foresight that it would resonate so deeply with so many individuals.”
To date, the Paddington Bear books penned by Michael Bond have amassed over 35 million copies sold – yet, in the past ten years, Paddington has evolved beyond a mere childhood figure – giving rise to films, a television series, merchandise, and even sharing tea with the late monarch. Moreover, he has been brought to life through a new immersive experience at London County Hall.
Although he is often perceived as an emblem of Britishness, he also represents one of our most notable asylum seekers.
Identified with a British name by the family that offered him shelter in Windsor Gardens, he is an undocumented immigrant who acknowledges he concealed himself on a vessel.
In 1958, mere months before the release of the very first book, Notting Hill – the setting for the stories – experienced some of the most severe race riots in Britain. The release of the latest film coincides with a summer marked by violent mobs attacking hotels accommodating migrants, with immigration now a contemporary political issue.
Ben Whishaw at the world premiere of the new movie. Pic: PA
Reflecting on the character’s lasting appeal today, Wishaw remarked: “I find it wonderful that it conveys messages that encourage kindness, respect, courtesy, and empathy for those who are marginalized or in vulnerable situations.
“Despite the negative narratives that exist, I genuinely believe that an abundance of individuals are incredibly welcoming, compassionate, and kind.”
This is a theme that Professor Angela Smith from the University of Sunderland has delved into thoroughly, producing a research paper titled Paddington Bear: A Case Study Of Immigration And Otherness.
“I’m located in Sunderland,” she stated, “this is where one of the riots occurred during the summer”.
“There’s much to be appreciated regarding tolerance and a desire for inclusion, more so than what certain far-right ideologies may suggest.”
Hugh Bonneville, left, with other cast members in the new Paddington film. Pic: Studiocanal
Prof. Smith emphasizes that the beauty of the books lies in how readers perceive the world through Paddington’s perspective.
“He embodies a dual identity of being both different yet integrated into our culture, which is what makes him relatable to such a vast audience,” she asserts.
“It’s like we are observing Britain and British culture from an outsider’s viewpoint… he grants us a unique understanding of ourselves as a nation.”
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Olivia Colman remarks that her headdress felt akin to having ‘a facelift’. Pic: Studiocanal
In the third installment, which takes place in Paddington’s native Peru, the Home Office issued a duplicate passport for the bear to travel.
Filmmaker Dougal Director noted his surprise at the photograph, which depicts the bear licking the photo booth screen.
“I was quite astonished that they permitted that picture to be approved, as I wasn’t certain it adhered to the guidelines… but that was the best shot we could manage with him, so…”
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While Hugh Grant was the standout performer in the last film, Olivia Colman adds her star power to the narrative this time as a nun.
In conversation with Sky News, she shared: “I truly adored the wimple as it essentially felt like a facelift.”
However, she admitted that her primary motivation for participating was for her children.
“My youngest is nine and she was thrilled when I informed her I would be in Paddington, so I am genuinely excited for her to see it.”
Paddington In Peru is currently screening in theaters.
