British actress Sally Hawkins will not be reprising her role as Mary Brown in the third of the much-loved Paddington film series.
The actress played Mary Brown, the foster mother of Paddington, in the first two movies.
The third instalment is set to start filming in July, with Shutter Island actress Emily Mortimer now playing the role of Mary.
Hawkins said in a statement to Variety, "For me it has felt the right time to hand the reins over to another, and one can't get much better than the truly wonderful Emily Mortimer, she is extraordinarily special. She will embody the essence of Mary Brown and yet make it utterly her own."
She continued, "However, I am, and will always be in love with Paddington’s world. I already greatly miss my on and off-screen family — the experience of making the first two films has truly been some of the best and most creative times I have had in the world of film.
"They both gave me so much joy. I will forever hold them so very close to my heart indeed."
The film will follow Paddington returning to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. Paddington and the Brown Family will embark on an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest.
Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas and Rachel Zegler are all reportedly in talks to join the South America-set feature.
Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters and Jim Broadbent are all set to reprise their roles, with Ben Whishaw and Imelda Staunton returning to once again voice Paddington and Aunt Lucy respectively.
