Paddington 3

Paddington 3 is a 2023 dark comedy and the third Paddington film. Unlike the other two Paddington 3 is a rather dark and Violent R-rated film, which garnered significant controversy.

Plot
Now being fancied as the town hero Paddington is beloved by everyone around him and gladly enjoys his time with the Brown family. Henry Brown is horrified to learn that his cousin Gavin is coming over, as the two have distanced themselves for years. Paddington encourages the two to connect, and Gavin soon arrives. Gavin takes an instant dislike to Paddington and subtly demeans and insults him throughout dinner. Gavin soon takes a liking to Mary, and convinces Henry to leave. Gavin brutally beats Henry until he coughs blood and leaves him for dead, but his act is witnessed by Paddington. Paddington attempts to talk down Gavin but is shot in response. Gavin then walks inside to tell the family that Henry and Paddington have just died.

Paddington wakes up in Skullagon Alley, a den of crime. He finds himself in the company of Harvey and Roy, two amateur drug dealers. The two nurse Paddington back to health, although he does not like the weed they give him. Harvey's girlfriend Jessica arrives, and the two have wild sex in front of Paddington and Roy. Confused by the actions Paddington is taught sex education by Roy, who in turn is fascinated by the sex lives of bears and Paddington's positive worldview, especially his refusal to swear. Meanwhile Mrs. Bird learns of Gavin's deception and Gavin kills her as a result. Not sure what to do with the body Gavin begins to grow paranoid, and becomes convinced that he must kill the rest of Mary's family so that he and Mary can live happily.

Roy takes Paddington outside and the two witness a drug deal reaching hostile tensions. Paddington attempts to calm down the dealers but Roy is caught trying to steal drugs and is promptly shot to death. Horrified Paddington runs away and returns to Harvey's apartment, where he finds Harvey's boss Julian also residing. Paddington tells Harvey, Jessica, and Julian about Roy's death, and Julian is furious. Julian declares war on the drug dealing gang, known as the Skullfuckers, and hires Denzel, a hired killer who makes paintings with the blood of his victims, to kill them all. Denzel manages to kill The Skullfuckers, but comes to Paddington heartbroken due to his penis being shot off in the battle. Denzel is touched by Paddington's kindness and vows to repay him sometime in the future. Judy and Jonathan find Mrs. Bird's body and plan to tell the police, but Gavin intercepts them with chloroform rags. Henry wakes up and finds his way back to town with the help of a homeless junkie.

The last two surviving members of The Skullfuckers, Neil and Dennis, are at odds on how to continue. Neil wants to move on and live safely while Dennis is determined to avenge his murdered friends. After ripping off some of Neil's fingers Dennis prevails and brutally murders Harvey and Jessica while the two are having sex, and Julian shoots himself in the head in response. Paddington and Denzel find the bodies the next morning, and Paddington begins to cry. Denzel comforts Paddington, and vows to get revenge. Paddington however insists on seeing the police to resolve the manner. Denzel protests, knowing the police are corrupt, but is won over by Paddington. The two go and Paddington manages to convince the head officer, Constable Smith, to investigate.

Paddington, Denzel, and Constable Smith make it to the Brown house where they rescue Judy and Jonathan, but are followed by Neil and Dennis. Dennis holds Denzel at gunpoint but Paddington notices Neil's abuse and encourages him to stand up. Full of energy Neil kills Dennis, but is disappointed to learn he will be arrested for this. Gavin comes to Mary with poisoned drinks, convinced they are determined to stay together in the afterlife. Paddington, Denzel, Constable Smith, Neil, Judy, and Jonathan burst in and stop Gavin right before he can get Mary to drink, and he holds Mary at gunpoint. Henry arrives and chastises Gavin. Gavin calls Paddington the source of his actions, saying that he's always wanted a friend. Henry apologizes for never being there, and Gavin happily accepts but is arrested nonetheless.

A month later Henry is back to normal and the Brown family are happy again, while Denzel becomes a successful painter. Paddington brings Gavin a marmalade sandwich in jail, causing Gavin to smile.

Cast
Ben Whishaw as Paddington Brown (voice)

Paddy Considine as Gavin

Scott Adkins as Denzel

Sally Hawkins as Mary Brown

Hugh Bonneville as Henry Brown

Madeleine Harris as Judy Brown

Samuel Joslin as Jonathan Brown

Julie Walters as Mrs. Bird

James Buckley as Harvey

Rupert Grint as Roy

Craig Fairbass as Julian

Juno Temple as Jessica

David Thewlis as Dennis

Eddie Marsan as Neil

Bill Nighy as Constable Smith

Nick Frost as Will The Junkie

Development
The film started with the idea of Paddington being put into a violent and nasty world while still retaining his hope and innocence throughout.

Controversy
Many were outraged by the first poster, which showed Paddington smoking from a bong. People questioned the integrity of putting a beloved children's character in such situations, and this attitude was continued once a redband trailer showing violence, sex, drug use, and constant swearing was shown. Parents felt betrayed by the dark and violent nature fthis film compared of to the lighthearted nature of the first two. Protests took place outside of theaters although the film did well at the box office.