Who could play the main villain in the Paddington 2 earned even greater plaudits, and was rightly considered one of the year's strongest cinematic releases in any genre. Happily, Paddington 3 is now officially in the early stages of development following several years of hopeful rumor.
One of many fun elements in the Paddington movie world are the larger than life villains. 2014's Paddington saw Nicole Kidman play Millicent Clyde, a dastardly taxidermist determined to add the Brown family's adopted bear to her list of stuffed subjects. Not particularly fond of the idea, Paddington takes Millicent out with a well-placed sandwich to the head. Hugh Grant assumed baddie duties for Paddington 2, playing Phoenix Buchanan - a washed-up actor on an elaborate treasure hunt with Paddington's book. He gets a punch in the face for his trouble, and Grant's post-credits prison dance sequence is nothing short of genius.
With Paddington 3 now confirmed (and heaven knows the world needs it), one of the biggest questions is who'll play the main villain on this occasion. After Kidman and Grant, the Paddington movies are rapidly developing a tradition for big-name actors as overblown evil-doers, and fans are already casting their preferred picks on social media. Here are some of the most exciting options to face the formidable little bear in Paddington 3.
Daniel Craig
Fresh from departing James Bond with Daniel Craig's Bond history, and as the face of one institution of British fiction, Paddington would feel like home turf for this former 007. Perhaps more so than Hugh Grant or Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig would offer a more imposing threat in Paddington 3, making the bear's inevitable victory all the sweeter.
Olivia Colman
Winning an Oscar for her performance as Queen Anne in Peep Show. The celebrated British sitcom cemented Colman's status as one of the UK's funniest actresses, and as Hugh Grant so enthusiastically proved, that's an important quality to embrace when taking on Paddington and the Browns.
Ian McKellen
Much like Moriarty-esque antagonist on the opposite end of the scale to Hugh Grant's extravagant showman from Paddington 2.
Javier Bardem
Javier Bardem is good at playing villains; this much we know. From Anton in Paddington Bear requires. It would undoubtedly be fascinating to see a Bardem baddie that doesn't have the option of shooting his foes or making the audience squeamishly uncomfortable.
Thandie Newton
Through Paddington movie derived from the uniqueness of seeing an award-winning actress predominantly associated with serious roles throw herself into a mortal feud with a bear wearing a hat. Newton fits the same bill, and has shown the kind of devilish willingness to play with the audience's expectations that comes with being Paddington's opponent.
Kate Winslet
From Ricky Gervais' Extras, Winslet's self-aware comedy chops were on full display, and a similar (albeit less hardcore) approach would work well with Paddington 3's tone. Winslet feels like a strong choice for an entrepreneur type of villain - someone who might try to market Paddington for their own financial gain.
