Studiocanal treated us to some exclusive preview footage from the Paddington sequel and the movie looks like it picks up where the fun first frolic (try saying that five times quickly) left off.

Journalists got the full Paddington treatment, as a calypso band played while we waited for the footage to start, having already been treated to some shapely sandwiches.

Actor Hugh Bonneville, who reprises his role as Mr Brown, introduced four clips, including the search for a present, a visit to a steam fair, a stay in prison and a bit of sleuthing by the Browns.

There’s double the Hugh in Paddington 2, mind, as Hugh Grant joins the franchise as Phoenix Buchanan. In the clips we saw he goes full luvvie as the fading thespian, with Bonneville describing the character (not Grant!) as “a legend in his own imagination”.

The plot also sees Paddington doing porridge at Her Majesty’s pleasure – literally, thanks to the cuisine on offer. Can Paddington charm chef Nukkels McGinty (Brendan Gleason) and improve the menu? You’ll find out later this year…

It seems as if the sequel has managed to recapture the lovable Chaplin-esque nature of the bear once more, alongside some witty banter, to create comedy that should strictly be for kids but is bound to put a smile on the faces of adults too.

We’re thoroughly looking forward to seeing this furry friend return to the screen once more – provided they finish it all in time! Director and co-writer Paul King wasn’t at our screening because he was still recording Ben Wishaw’s voice and working on the sound mix.

Paddington 2 is released by Studiocanal and opens in UK cinemas on 10 November 2017.

IN BRIEF
For almost 60 years, British-born writer Michael Bond has been delighting children and families all over the world with his stories about Paddington, the bear from Darkest Peru famous for his love of marmalade. Paddington is popular with both children and adults who feel affectionate and warm towards him and the charm and humour of the Paddington stories is the key to their enduring popularity.

Paddington’s adventures have been adapted several times for television and at the end of 2014 Paddington made his debut onto the big screen. That movie is the best-selling non-Hollywood family movie ever released.

Paddington 2 sees the bear happily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, where he has become a popular member of the community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes. While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, Paddington spots a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief.

Paddington recently also became a champion for children in support of UNICEF. The partnership will see Paddington furthering UNICEF’s goal to promote the rights of children all around the world, and to keep them happy, healthy and safe.