World premiere of family feature set for Nov 23 in London.

Paddington

Michael Gambon and Imelda Staunton, who both starred in the Harry Potter films, have joined the cast of Paddington.

Gambon, also known for roles in The King’s Speech and Gosford Park, will provide the voice of Uncle Pastuzo while Staunton, most recently seen in Pride and Maleficent, will voice Aunt Lucy.

They join a cast that includes Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington Bear, Hugh Bonneville as uptight patriarch Mr Brown, Nicole Kidman as evil taxidermist Millicent, Sally Hawkins as the free-spirited Mrs Brown, Jim Broadbent as Paddington’s wise advisor Mr Gruber, Peter Capaldi as the Browns’ curtain twitching nosey neighbour and Julie Walters as eccentric housekeeper Mrs Bird.

The film also introduces newcomers, Samuel Joslin and Madeleine Harris as the Brown children Jonathan and Judy.

The film, about a young Peruvian bear who travels to London in search of a home, is based on the best-selling series of children’s stories by British author Michael Bond, from an original screenplay by filmmaker Paul King (Bunny and the Bull).

Produced by Heyday Films and StudioCanal, Paddington is directed by King and produced by David Heyman (Gravity, Harry Potter) and Jeffrey Clifford.

Executive producers are Heyday’s Rosie Alison and Alexandra Ferguson.

Paddington will receive its world premiere in London on Nov 23.