Sally Hawkins was part of the core cast of the first two Paddington films as Mrs. Brown. The actress was replaced for Paddington in Peru. But why?
The third Paddington adventure has recently been released in German cinemas. However, fans of the lovable fur ball with the blue coat and red hat will have to make do with a few changes in Paddington in Peru. Not only did Paul King cede the director’s chair for part 3 to Dougal Wilson, but one of the biggest Paddington stars in the new fantasy adventure is not returning: Sally Hawkins. There is a simple reason for this.
Sally Hawkins has been replaced for Paddington 3: That’s why the fantasy adventure features a new Mrs. Brown
Hawkins told Variety that the third film was simply the right time for her to leave the Paddington franchise:
For me, it felt like the right time to pass the baton on to someone else, and you could hardly find anyone better than Emily Mortimer. She is exceptionally special.
Hawkins has fond memories of her role, however, as she explained further:
I will always love Paddington’s world. I miss my onscreen family and the ones behind the scenes. Making the first two films was one of the greatest experiences in the movie business. They gave me so much joy. I will always treasure them.
Emily Mortimer takes on the role of Mrs. Brown in Paddington in Peru
Emily Mortimer replaces Sally Hawkins in Paddington 3 as Mrs. Mary Brown. On The Graham Norton Show (via RadioTimes ), Mortimer revealed that it was not easy for her to follow in Hawkins’ footsteps:
I felt like an impostor because I didn’t dare to hope to emulate Sally’s great performance. All I could do was contribute my own version and hope that it was half as good.
Mortimer is certainly not hiding behind Hawkins, as the British actress can already look back on a long career with numerous major productions. Among other things, she has appeared in Notting Hill, Match Point, Scream 3 and Mary Poppins Returns. She also played in the HBO series The Newsroom.
You can now see Emily Mortimer as Mrs. Brown in theaters in Paddington in Peru since January 30, 2025.