London: Paddington Bear – official name Paddington Brown – has been granted a British passport by the Home Office in a delightful nod to the character’s British heritage.
This whimsical gesture comes just ahead of the release of his latest film, Paddington in Peru, scheduled for November 8, 2024.
The passport features playful design elements that set it apart from standard UK passports, including unique fonts and humorous details.
As an iconic figure in British culture, Paddington’s passport symbolizes not only his adventures but also the warmth and charm he brings to audiences worldwide. Fans are excited about his upcoming film, where he embarks on new adventures.
He has been one of the UK’s favourites and most prominent refugees for two-thirds of a century.
The co-producer of the latest Paddington film said the Home Office had issued the document to the fictional Peruvian-born character – listing for completeness the official observation that he is, in fact, a bear. “We wrote to the Home Office asking if we could get a replica, and they actually issued Paddington with an official passport – there’s only one of these.”
The co-producer produced the document, complete with Paddington’s photo inside, adding that, “You wouldn’t think the Home Office would have a sense of humour, but under official observations, they’ve just listed him as Bear.”
Ben Whishaw, who voices the new British subject in the film Paddington in Peru, revealed that the passport, which is actually a specimen document, was not needed during production – because he spent the whole schedule in a subterranean studio in central London.
Paddington Bear’s official UK passport highlights the character’s enduring legacy and charm, capturing the hearts of fans young and old as he embarks on new adventures in his upcoming film.