Paddington Bear granted UK passport by Home Office
Everyone's favourite bear has been granted a UK passport by the Home Office, ahead of the upcoming film Paddington in Peru.
In a delightful twist that’s melted the hearts of fans across the country, Paddington Bear has been granted an official UK passport by the Home Office.
As the much-anticipated film Paddington in Peru gears up for its release this November, this playful gesture is the perfect way to celebrate Britain’s most beloved bear. In a tongue-in-cheek nod to his fictional status, the Home Office even listed his official occupation as simply “Bear”.
For nearly seven decades, Paddington Bear – full name, Paddington Brown – has been a fixture in British culture, ever since his creator Michael Bond introduced him to the world in 1958.
Instantly recognisable by his duffle coat and floppy hat, Paddington’s endearing personality has enchanted generations of children and adults alike.
In Paddington in Peru, the latest film in the popular franchise, our favourite bear returns to his native Peru to visit his Aunt Lucy, only to discover she’s gone missing during a scientific expedition.
You can watch the full trailer below.
In a charming behind-the-scenes twist, the producers of the film decided to reach out to the Home Office, cheekily requesting a replica passport for the star of the film.
Co-producer Rob Silva revealed to Radio Times that to their surprise, they were issued a fully official document – the only one of its kind.
“You wouldn’t expect the Home Office to have a sense of humour,” Silva remarked, “but under the official observations, they’ve simply listed him as ‘Bear’.”
The film itself promises more of the heart-warming adventure that fans have come to love. Ben Whishaw returns to voice the marmalade-loving bear, recording his lines from a studio in central London – though he lamented that he didn’t get to join the cast for on-location filming in Peru or Colombia.
The film also features a stellar line-up, including The Crown’s Olivia Colman as a guitar-strumming nun who manages a retirement home for bears, and Antonio Banderas, playing a swashbuckling sailor who helps Paddington in his search for Aunt Lucy.
Paddington Bear’s UK passport may not be needed for any of his future fictional travels, but it’s a symbolic gesture that cements his place in the hearts of Britons everywhere. As the release of Paddington in Peru draws near, fans young and old will be eagerly awaiting the next adventure of the bear who’s been a cherished part of British life for over 60 years. Long may his story continue – and with his new passport in hand, who knows where he’ll end up next?
Read more:
Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.
Create the perfect wishlist for your baby with MyCrib
Are you expecting and don't know where to start? Discover how MyCrib can help you build your dream wishlist. You can add products from any site with just one click and even use MyCrib's buying assistant to help get you started.