As Paddington Bear returns to cinemas this weekend – with his third film in 10 years – Ben Whishaw, the actor who voices the marmalade-loving bear, says he had “had no idea” the character would prove to be a golden goose to the UK film industry.

Speaking to Sky News, the actor confessed that when he lent his voice to the first film he didn’t know what he was “getting myself into”.

He added: “I had no idea that it would be such a big thing for so many people.”

To date, Michael Bond’s Paddington Bear books have sold over 35 million copies – but, in the last decade, Paddington has become far more than just a character for kids – spawning films, a TV series, merchandise, as well as having tea with the late queen, he’s also been brought to life in a new live experience at London County Hall.

While he is a character we often see as being quintessentially British, he is also one of our most prominent asylum-seekers.

Given a British name by the family that gave him a home in Windsor Gardens, an illegal immigrant who admits he stowed away on a boat. 

In 1958 just months before the very first book was published, Notting Hill – where the books are set – saw some of Britain’s worst race riots. The latest film’s release follows a summer of violent mobs attacking hotels housing migrants and with immigration now a modern political football.

On the character’s enduring popularity at this time, Wishaw said: “I think it’s just lovely that it talks about something that promotes kindness, respect, politeness, compassion for, yeah, people who are outsiders or people who are vulnerable.

“Despite some of the discourse that is out there, I do think that many people are incredibly welcoming, empathetic and kind.”

It’s a subject Professor Angela Smith from the University of Sunderland has studied extensively, publishing a research paper called Paddington Bear: A Case Study Of Immigration And Otherness.

“I’m in Sunderland,” she explained, “this is where one of the riots took place in the summer”.

“There is a lot to be said for tolerance and a desire to be inclusive than perhaps we would gather from certain ideas from the far-right.”

Prof Smith says the brilliance of the books is in how readers “see things through Paddington’s eyes”.

“He has this dual identity of being other but also a part of our culture and I think that is what makes him accessible to so many people,” she adds.

“It’s as if we’re seeing Britain and British culture from an outsider’s point of view… he allows us an insight into ourselves as a country.”

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For the third film, which is set in Paddington’s birthplace of darkest Peru, the Home Office issued the bear with a replica passport in order for him to travel.

Filmmaker Dougal Director admits he was somewhat taken aback as the photo sees the bear licking the photobooth screen.

“I was particularly surprised that they allowed that photograph to be approved because I’m not sure that was within the guidelines… but that’s the best one we could get out of him so…”

While Hugh Grant was the stand-out star of the last movie, Olivia Colman lends her A-list credibility to the plot this time around – cast as a nun.

Speaking to Sky News, she said: “I did love the wimple because it’s basically like a facelift.”

But, in truth, she said she agreed to do this one for her kids.

“My youngest is nine and she was so excited when I said I’m going to be in Paddington so I’m very excited for her to see it.”

Paddington In Peru is out in cinemas now.