Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Paddington in Peru!Paddington in Peru is a superb entry into the Paddington franchise for many reasons, but one of its best decisions is a collaboration I never saw coming. The third film follows the family as they embark on a journey to Peru, but while they set out to save Aunt Lucy, the Browns uncover some important secrets along the way. Paddington in Peru is the second-best box office debut of the franchise, earning its domestic U.S. milestone three months after premiering in the UK. StudioCanal’s latest movie establishes brand-new characters in Paddington and Peru‘s cast, including Antonio Banderas.

Paddington in Peru presents a truer portrayal of family life, where the family has grown apart since their last adventure, as a result of Judy and Jonathan Brown becoming teenagers. Consequently, the Browns quickly took advantage of the opportunity to visit the bear’s home but soon found themselves engulfed in a series of events about the legend of El Dorado. The third Paddington film sees many new villains and characters throughout its runtime. However, it’s worth sticking around for the credits as Paddington in Peru promises the return of one beloved Paddington 2 character.

Paddington in Peru Sets Up Phoenix Buchanan To Return In Paddington 4

Phoenix Buchanan Is The Franchise’s Most Charming And Beloved Villain

Hugh Grant joined the Paddington franchise in Paddington 2, where he takes on the role of the film’s antagonist. Although there’s plenty to praise, Grant was the sequel’s standout element to the point where Paddington 2 completely shifted the tide in Grant’s career. The theatrical impresario is incarcerated towards the end of Paddington 2, after stealing a pop-up book from the young bear in a desperate search for Madame Kozlova’s treasure. While his actions had disastrous consequences, Phoenix seems to have adapted well to prison life, even conducting musical productions with his fellow inmates.

Phoenix Buchanan is not part of the story in Paddington in Peru, but he makes a surprising appearance during the film’s mid-credits scene. After the discovery of Paddington’s heritage, a pack of bears travel from El Dorado on vacation and pay a short visit to the prison — where Phoenix announces he’s working on a new play. Grant’s cameo in Paddington in Peru suggests he will feature in the franchise’s fourth adventure, as Phoenix coincidentally reveals that he is “due to shortly be released” from prison and begins casting the bears in his upcoming project.

Paddington 4 Could Make Phoenix Buchanan An Ally Of Paddington’s

There Is No Reason For Phoenix Buchanan To Be A Villain In Paddington 4

While Phoenix Buchanan has earned his reputation as the franchise’s ever-charming villain, Paddington 4 provides the ideal scenario to make Phoenix an ally of Paddington. The bear’s trip to the prison with his friends implies the pair have maintained a friendship after the events of Paddington 2, so it would not be unsurprising to see Phoenix and Paddington join forces in the franchise’s next installment. The judge informed the thespian to “use [his] time behind bars wisely” during the post-credits scene for Paddington 2, which led to the iconic Rain on the Roof musical number — and it seems this is what Phoenix has done.

Above all else, the new relationship dynamic between Phoenix and Paddington provides the former antagonist with an excellent redemption arc. Given his popularity with audiences despite his past motivations, a redemption arc wasn’t necessarily required, but exploring his character more constructively would be incredibly fun. Paddington could take a more active role in Phoenix’s shenanigans, too, which was missing from the plot of Paddington 2. Not to mention, Phoenix’s potential solidarity with the Browns could make a fourth movie even more exciting as it builds on the franchise’s well-established, successful elements.

Hugh Grant’s Phoenix Buchanan Teaming Up With Paddington Is Better Than Another Villain Plot

Hugh Grant Provided A Vast Backstory For Phoenix Buchanan

Hugh Grant is a clear choice for a returning role in the Paddington franchise and a natural fit for a partnership with the bear. Grant told Vanity Fair, “Even though it’s a kid’s film, […] I always put in vast amounts of thought and anxiety,” into Phoenix’s character. From his namesake to his theatrical upbringing, Grant believes Phoenix “is a very complicated character [who] I did try to make 3D.” The actor’s gripping performance is a strong enough case for increased screen time, and Phoenix’s return to the franchise is arguably far more eagerly anticipated than any future villain could be.

Although the franchise has consistently good villains in the Paddington movies, it would be a refreshing change of pace for the central themes of Paddington 4 to not revolve around an antagonist. Paddington in Peru‘s successful team-up with Carla Tous’s Gina suggests that a Phoenix-Paddington pairing would be equally effective. Grant has superb comedic timing, and the strength of his character alone provides enough entertainment, which ultimately negates the need for a traditional villain plot in Paddington 4.

Source: Vanity Fair