Queen Elizabeth II made an appearance in the new Paddington in Peru movie, despite behind dead since 2022. The posthumous cameo was made possible by using a former image of the Queen, and not generative artificial intelligence like most would assume.
Producer Rosie Alison said the Royal Family excitedly gave their approval for the cameo, although they did not make much of a buzz out of it. Stars from the previous Paddington installments will also reprise their roles except for Sally Hawkins, as Emily Mortimer will take over as Mrs. Brown.
How did Queen Elizabeth II’s movie cameo happen?
Rather than the recent AI technology style, Queen Elizabeth II’s likeness was recreated from her first encounter with Paddington during the 2022 short film for her Platinum Jubilee celebration. The clip featured the late monarch and Paddington having afternoon tea when they each pulled out their marmalade sandwiches— Elizabeth’s from her bag, and the bear’s from under his red hat.
They then head for the helicopter after walking through the halls with the Queen’s corgis waddling behind. While trying to land, Elizabeth quickly jumps out with a British flag-themed parachute for a safe landing, and she appears live at the event in the same outfit.
What to expect from ‘Paddington in Peru’
This time, Paddington visits Peru as the Browns travel to see their Aunt Lucy, who is at the Home for Retired Bears. Fans resident in the UK gets to enjoy the sequel already, while those in the US look forward to January for its theater debut.
Queen Elizabeth died a few months after her viral sketch with Paddington, at 96. Among the tributes left in her honor were Paddington Bear dolls, as she held a special love for the character. She was the longest-serving monarch in history with more than 70 years on the throne, after which her son Prince Charles took over at 73.