PADDINGTON 3 To Film Without Rachel Zegler Due To SAG Strike
By Movieguide® Contributor
PADDINGTON 3 will proceed with filming without actress Rachel Zegler as a result of the SAG-AFTRA strike.
Variety confirmed Zegler as part of the cast earlier this summer, along with Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas and Emily Mortimer, as well as returning actors Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin.
While Hollywood actors’ union SAG-AFTRA is on strike, “the movie is continuing production in the UK without [Zegler],” Digital Spy reported.
It’s unknown whether or not Zegler will be recast or if the production will wait to film her scenes until the strike is resolved.
Sally Hawkins, who appeared in the previous movies, will not be returning.
“For me it has felt the right time to hand the reins over to another, and one can’t get much better than the truly wonderful Emily Mortimer, she is extraordinarily special,” the actress said in a statement about her departure. “She will embody the essence of Mary Brown and yet make it utterly her own. However, I am, and will always be, in love with Paddington’s world.
“I already greatly miss my on and off-screen family – the experience of making the first two films has truly been some of the best and most creative times I have had in the world of film. They both gave me so much joy. I will forever hold them so very close to my heart indeed.”
The upcoming movie, PADDINGTON IN PERU, “will see Paddington getting into sticky situations in ‘deepest, darkest Peru,’ his country of birth,” according to Deadline.
Both PADDINGTON movies were reviewed favorably by Movieguide®. A portion of the review for PADDINGTON reads:
PADDINGTON is delightfully funny, winsome and absolutely charming. Its hero gets into all sorts of comical, and even exciting, predicaments. PADDINGTON has many heartwarming moments, with positive messages about caring for and protecting one’s family, being kind to strangers, and having polite manners. It does have three light profanities and scenes of jeopardy. Also, the villain is mean, and the family’s maid gets drunk in one scene. Otherwise, PADDINGTON is great wholesome fun.
A portion of the review for PADDINGTON 2 reads:
PADDINGTON 2 is an adorable, entertaining movie filled with family fun. It has a great script, with wonderful acting and animation. PADDINGTON 2 has a strong moral worldview, with strong pro-capitalist elements. No matter what, Paddington tries to do the right thing, with the right attitude. He is a fabulous character for children to see, because he’s always loving, compassionate, giving of himself, and super polite. The entire message is about loving your neighbor and seeing the good in everyone. MOVIEGUIDE® commends PADDINGTON 2 for the entire family.
