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Ukrainian President Zelensky Voiced PADDINGTON for the Movie Released in His Country

VLGFILM Ukraine/YouTube

Ukrainian President Zelensky Voiced PADDINGTON for the Movie Released in His Country

By Movieguide® Contributor

All eyes are on Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky as he leads his country through the terrifying Russian invasion. However, did you know he once had a very different role? Zelensky was the Ukrainian voice of beloved character Paddington in the movie of the same name. 

“Until today I had no idea who provided the voice of @paddingtonbear in Ukraine,” tweeted PADDINGTON star Hugh Bonneville. “Speaking for myself, thank you, President Zelenskiy [sic].”

The actor also shared a promotional trailer for PADDINGTON 2 that featured a sound bite from the president: “Hello to my darling friends. I, Volodymyr Zelensky, will lend my voice to the wonderful, charismatic, friendly bear Paddington.”

“PADDINGTON [is a film] you can go to see with your whole family, and everyone will enjoy it regardless of your age,” Zelensky continued. “You know you will definitely walk out of the film in a fantastic mood.”

Zelensky was an actor and comedian before running for office. He was actually inspired to go into politics after starring in Ukrainian show SERVANT OF THE PEOPLE, in which he played a teacher who becomes president of the country. 

PADDINGTON, which made Movieguide®’s list of Ten Best Movies For Families, as did PADDING 2.

According to the Movieguide® review:

PADDINGTON also has lots of heartwarming moments as Paddington tries to find a new home, and as Henry learns to appreciate the benefits Paddington provides to the Brown family. Inserted into these heartwarming moments are positive messages about being kind to strangers, protecting one’s family and the importance of manners. PADDINGTON does have some light exclamatory profanities, scenes of jeopardy, and a “d” obscenity on a subway poster advertising what looks like a stage play of some kind. Also, the villain is mean, and the Browns’ maid gets drunk in one scene. Otherwise, however, PADDINGTON is just great wholesome fun.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.