Why Sally Hawkins won’t appear in Paddington 3? Reason behind Mrs. Brown actress’ absence, explored

Paddington has embarked on another adventure with Paddington 3. However, Sally Hawkins is not joining him this time around.

The latest Paddington film shows the adorable bear going on an adventure in Peru to meet his Aunt Lucy. The Brown family still joins him, but there is a slight change behind the scenes. Sally Hawkins, who played the warm-hearted family matriarch Mary, is not reprising the role. Instead, Emily Mortimer stars as Mrs. Brown in the new film.

Hawkins was one of the highlights of the first two Paddington films. So, her fans might be wondering what made her depart from the third film. Turns out, it is not because of any creative changes in the production, scheduling conflicts, or any other qualms. Instead, Hawkins's departure is her personal decision since she believed it was the right time to move on from this franchise.

Paddington 3 is directed by Dougal Wilson, who's taking over the responsibilities from Paul King, who worked on the 2014 film and the 2017 sequel.

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Paddington 3: The reason behind Sally Hawkins' absence, explained

Paddington is about to meet his fans another time as the threequel debuts online on Valentine's Day, per Digital Spy. Titled Paddington in Peru, the new film shows the marmalade-loving protagonist embarking on another adventure with the Brown family. While Ben Whishaw is returning to voice the charming bear, Sally Hawkins is absent from the cast.

According to a Variety interview from June 2023, it is Hawkins' personal decision to depart from this franchise. While speaking about Paddington's fictional world, she had nothing but great things to say.

"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 offilm. They both gave me so much joy. I will forever hold them so very close to my heart indeed.”

Emily Mortimer is taking over Hawkins' role as Mrs. Brown. While speaking about this change, Hawkins said,

“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. She will embody the essence of Mary Brown and yet make it utterly her own."

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Who is playing Mary Brown in Paddington 3? Details explored

Paddington 3 stars Emily Mortimer as Mary Brown, previously played by Sally Hawkins. Much like Hawkins, Mortimer is a beloved British actress known for her performances in Aaron Sorkin's The Newsroom, Martin Scorsese's Shutter Island (2010), Hugo (2011), and Nicole Holofcener's Lovely & Amazing (2001).

Now, she enters Paddington's vibrant world and joins him in Peru. During her appearance on The Graham Norton Show in November 2024, she spoke about her experience working on the set of this lovely franchise.

"I know people always say this, but it really is the sweetest, kindest, loveliest set with the most thoughtful and caring vibe. It sounds soppy to say it, but I think there is something about the spirit of Paddington that makes everything okay."

When speaking about taking over Sally Hawkins's role as Mrs. Brown in Paddington 3, Mortimer said,

"I was worried about feeling like an imposter as I couldn’t hope to emulate the most amazing performance that Sally gave. All I could do was bring my own version and hope it was halfway as good."

The actress also spoke briefly about her experience of working with Hugh Bonneville, who plays her husband in Paddington 3.

"It was really nice being married to Hugh, so it was easy in that respect but nerve-wracking stepping into this incredible thing."

Mortimer is not the only new cast member, as Paddington 3 will also star Oscar-winning Olivia Colman (The Favourite), Oscar-nominated Antonio Banderas (Pain and Glory), Hayley Atwell (Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One), and Carla Tous (30 Coins).

Ben Whishaw and Imelda Staunton reprise their roles in the voice cast along with Hugh Bonneville, Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters, and Sanjeev Bhaskar in their acting roles.