'Paddington 2' production has begun.

Principal photography has begun on 'Paddington 2' - the sequel to 2014’s film starring the titular-bear voiced by Ben Whishaw - with Hugh Grant and Brendan Gleeson joining the returning cast of Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin.

Director Paul King says of the upcoming movie: "It has been a complete joy to return to the world of Paddington. It was such a delight to see his first big screen adventure embraced by audiences around the world, and I couldn’t be more excited about Hugh and Brendan joining the cast to bring his next outing to life. Together, I hope we can make a film worthy of this most exceptional of bears."

Official info below:

"The much-anticipated sequel to the worldwide hit family film finds Paddington happily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, where he has become a popular member of the community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes. While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s hundredth birthday, Paddington spots a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief…

Hugh Grant plays Windsor Gardens’ local celebrity, PHOENIX BUCHANAN, a vain, charming acting legend whose star has fallen somewhat in recent years.  Grant is a Golden Globe and BAFTA winner, best known for his memorable performances in films like LOVE ACTUALLY and ABOUT A BOY, and was most recently seen in the critically acclaimed Stephen Frears’ comedy drama FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS opposite Meryl Streep.

Brendan Gleeson plays “KNUCKLES” MCGINTY, a notorious safe-cracker and legendary strongman who becomes an unexpected new ally for Paddington. Gleeson received an Emmy award for his portrayal of ‘Winston Churchill’ in HBO’s ‘INTO THE STORM’, and a Golden Globe nomination for IN BRUGES. Other recent credits include the HARRY POTTER series, EDGE OF TOMORROW and CALVARY. Upcoming features include Ben Affleck’s LIVE BY NIGHT, ASSASSIN’S CREED, ALONE IN BERLIN opposite Diane Keaton and TRESPASS AGAINST US opposite Michael Fassbender."

'Paddington 2' will be released in New Zealand on December 26th, 2017.