Hugh Bonneville says 'Paddington 3' is 'in safe hands' ahead of filming (exclusive)

Watch: Hugh Bonneville provides update on Paddington in Peru

Hugh Bonneville has said he believes that Paddington Bear fans are "in safe hands" ahead of the upcoming third movie Paddington in Peru.

Studiocanal announced earlier this summer that John Lewis advert veteran Dougal Wilson will step into the director's chair vacated by Paul King for the new film, which is set to shoot next year.

Read more: Hugh Grant jokes he forced his kids to love Paddington 2

While promoting his new Netflix thriller I Came By, Bonneville told Yahoo Entertainment UK that he doesn't know much more about the upcoming movie than the fans do.

He said: "There isn't a final script yet. All I know is, as has been announced, that it's Paddington in Peru. So that gives you a clue.

"The two first films are so beloved. I think what will be the hallmark is whether the bear turns up. If the bear turns up and delivers, then I think we're in safe hands."

Bonneville also said it was "quite amazing" to see Paddington share the screen with the Queen in a special skit aired as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Read more: Paddington among movie icons honoured with Leicester Square statues

In the sketch, which also featured a cameo by Paddington 2 co-writer Simon Farnaby, Paddington shared an afternoon tea with the Queen, who revealed she also keeps a sandwich upon her person for emergencies.

Bonneville added: "That [sketch] was gorgeous. One of the highlights of the Jubilee for me and I know for millions, it really was."

Bonneville has played the bear's adoptive father Mr Brown in both Paddington movies, in which Ben Whishaw provides the voice of Paddington.

The 2017 sequel Paddington 2 was particularly acclaimed and, for several months, was officially classified as the best-reviewed movie of all time by aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.

Read more: Hugh Grant discusses potential return for Phoenix Buchanan

But this third film faces the challenge of being without King and Farnaby, though the latter revealed earlier this year that he and King did put together a story idea before departing.

When Wilson's involvement as the new director was announced, he said that he was "very excited (if not a little intimidated) to be continuing the story of Paddington" in place of King.

In I Came By, Bonneville plays Hector Blake — a retired judge with a track record of providing legal assistance to refugees.

But this is not a typical Bonneville role and it soon transpires that Blake is hiding something, which comes to light when a graffiti artist (George MacKay) breaks into his home.

Read more: I Came By and other Netflix UK releases in August 2022

The movie is directed by Under the Shadow's Babak Anvari and also stars Percelle Ascott and Kelly Macdonald.

I Came By is in UK cinemas now, with its Netflix release set for 31 August.

Watch: Trailer for I Came By