Sally Hawkins reveals reason for her Paddington 3 absence and recast: "It would've broken my heart"
Emily Mortimer took over the role of Mrs Brown for Paddington in Peru.
When the third Paddington film, Paddington in Peru, debuted in cinemas last year, there were two major changes from the previous two outings - not including the location, of course.
One was that the new film was directed by Dougal Wilson, rather than Paul King, who had helmed Paddington and Paddington 2.
The other was that Mrs Brown had been recast, with Emily Mortimer taking on the role previously played by Sally Hawkins.
When her departure from the film series was first announced, Hawkins said: "For me, it has felt the right time to hand the reins over to another. I am, and will always be, in love with Paddington's world. I already greatly miss my on- and off-screen family."
Now, speaking to The Times, Hawkins has opened up about why she left her role, saying that it was entirely related to King's departure.
She said: "I feel so awful about Paddington 3 but Hugh (Bonneville) did get an upgrade - I adore Emily Mortimer. But because I love Paul so much, and love the way he works, it would’ve broken my heart."
Hawkins has known King a long time, having met him at a theatre workshop at Ealing Studios 20 years before the first Paddington film.
King went on to direct and co-write the film Wonka, which starred Timothée Chalamet and was released in cinemas in 2023. Hawkins also made a small appearance in that film, and King is set to return to direct a sequel.
Hawkins can currently be seen in cinemas starring in a very different film than either Paddington or Wonka - Bring Her Back, the latest horror film from the directors of Talk to Me, Danny and Michael Philippou.
Hawkins plays Laura, a woman who is grieving her young daughter and turns to some sinister practices to deal with the loss.
All three Paddington films are currently streaming on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.
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Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
