Hugh Bonneville, the acclaimed British actor famed for his role as the kindly Mr Brown in the Paddington film franchise, has indicated he is unlikely to reprise the part in any future instalments. The 62-year-old star suggested the series would continue successfully without him, as the heart of the story has always been the marmalade-loving bear.
A Fond Farewell to the Brown Family
In a candid interview with Saga Magazine, Bonneville was asked about a potential return to the world of Paddington. "I don't think so. I really don't," he stated. "I've loved it, but I'm getting on a bit. It's a younger man's job, but you can get other actors in and it will work just as well, because it's all about the bear."
Bonneville has played the patriarch Henry Brown in all three live-action films to date: Paddington (2014), Paddington 2 (2017), and the recently released Paddington in Peru (2024). The movies, produced by StudioCanal and featuring Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington, have been both critical darlings and box office hits, charming audiences worldwide.
Closing the Door on Downton Abbey
The actor also addressed the future of another iconic British series, Downton Abbey. While he believes the period drama could spawn spin-offs following its concluding feature film, The Grand Finale, he confirmed his own journey with the Crawley family is definitively over.
"I wouldn't be surprised if they make some sort of spin-off, but no, our company has left the building," Bonneville explained. He described filming the finale as an emotional process, taking time to memorise sets like the library for the last time. "I feel enormous love for Downton... and it was a springboard for me meeting the bear (Paddington)."
The Enduring Legacy of a Beloved Bear
The character of Paddington Bear, first published on 13 October 1958 by Michael Bond, has enjoyed numerous adaptations. These include a BBC television series in 1976, voiced by the late Sir Michael Hordern, and the current Paddington The Musical in London's West End.
The stage show, playing at the Savoy Theatre, features original music by McFly's Tom Fletcher. "This unique and special bear is at the very heart of our nation, and I'm aware of the awesome responsibility we all have in taking on his story," Fletcher said, expressing his honour at being entrusted with the production.
While Hugh Bonneville may be stepping back from his on-screen role, his comments affirm that the adventures of Paddington Bear, a staple of British culture, are far from over. The full interview is available in the February edition of Saga Magazine.
