Emmy winning writer Armando Iannucci to pen script of Paddington 4
Washington DC, May 26
Animated comedy film 'Paddington' has found a new pair of writers to come up with the fourth instalment of the frachise.
According to Variety, Armando Iannucci, the Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated Scotsman best known for creating hit satirical shows 'Veep' and 'The Thick of It,' is set to write the upcoming fourth film in Studiocanal's hit 'Paddington' franchise.
Iannucci will be joined on screenplay duties by his long-standing and fellow Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated co-writer Simon Blackwell, who served as a key writer on both 'Veep' and 'The Thick of It,' reported Variety.
Meanwhile, according to Variety, Dougal Wilson, the award-winning commercials and music videos director who made his feature debut with the third film, 'Paddington in Peru,' is in talks to return.
'Paddington 4,' follows 2014's 'Paddington,' 2017's 'Paddington 2' and 2024's 'Paddington in Peru,' and a combined global box office in excess of 800 million USD.
Paul King directed the first two instalments (he wrote the first and co-wrote the second with Simon Farnaby), with Wilson taking over directing duties on the third (which was written by Mark Burton, Jon Foster and James Lamont).
Rosie Alison is set continue as producer for the film under the banner of Heyday Films. The fourth Paddington movie was only officially announced earlier this year.
Iannucci has earned his stripes many times over as a comedy writer, having also helped create the iconic TV character Alan Partridge, written for 'The Day Today' and, more recently, created HBO's 'Avenue 5,' while on film he co-wrote and directed 'In the Loop' (which was Oscar nominated for best adapted screenplay in 2010) and 'The Death of Stalin.'
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, after watching Paddington in Peru last year, I was worried the franchise might lose its charm. But getting Iannucci and Blackwell – that's a power move! These guys know how to write sharp, clever dialogue. If they can bring even a fraction of that wit to Paddington, we're in for a treat. Just please don't let it become too political, yaar. Let Paddington be Paddington!
Marmalade sandwiches and political satire? Sign me up! Iannucci made me laugh with Death of Stalin, and Blackwell wrote some of the best Veep episodes. But I have one small reservation: will their style work for a family film? Paddington is beloved by kids and adults alike. I trust the track record, but I hope they don't push the envelope too far. Fingers crossed! 🤞
As a huge Paddington fan, I'm cautiously optimistic. The third film had a different director and still managed to capture the magic. Iannucci is brilliant, but his humor can be very dark – remember the bear scene in The Death of Stalin? 😅 I just want more of that gentle, kind Paddington who teaches us about manners and kindness. But if anyone can balance satire with heart, it might be him.
Interesting choice, but I'm a bit skeptical. Veep is my all-time favorite comedy, but that style of writing is very different from what Paddington needs. The franchise has always been about warmth and simplicity. Iannucci's writing is genius but often relies on cynicism and quick-fire insults. I hope the producers guide him to respect the tone. Still, $800 million at the box office means they know what they're doing, I guess.
J < We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.