Rachel Zegler has discussed her exit from Paddington 3.
The West Side Story and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes actress was cast in the third Paddington movie, titled Paddington in Peru, but she had to drop out due to the SAG-AFTRA strike that took place in Hollywood last year. Newcomer Carla Tous then replaced her as the character Gina Cabot.
Speaking to Collider about stepping down from the movie, Zegler stated: “I was a part of Paddington 3, but I’m not anymore because of the SAG strike. They were able to continue filming, but I was the only SAG actor, and another talented actress is doing it.
“I’m very excited to see because it was a wonderful script and I think Paddington fans are going to be very thrilled.”
But that’s not the only casting change the movie has seen, as Sally Hawkins has been replaced by Emily Mortimer in the role of Mrs Brown.
“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,” Hawkins said of leaving the role.
“She will embody the essence of Mary Brown and yet make it utterly her own. 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.”
Meanwhile, Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas have also joined the cast as brand new characters.
Paddington in Peru is set to release on November 8.
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