Ben Whishaw thought he’d botched his audition to play Paddington

As a seasoned movie enthusiast who’s traversed the cinematic landscape from the gritty streets of London to the whimsical world of Paddington Bear, I must say that Ben Whishaw‘s journey with our beloved Peruvian bear is nothing short of remarkable. His tale is a testament to the power of perseverance and the magic that can happen when you least expect it.

This article first appeared in TopMob magazine.

Ben Whishaw’s versatility is evident in his roles spanning from James Bond and Mary Poppins to Shakespeare and Beckett. However, it’s his heartwarming portrayal as the voice of Paddington Bear that has earned him a cherished place in the hearts of many, securing his status as a national treasure.

In this conversation, he discusses the upcoming movie “Paddington” with TopMob in Peru, employing various props to embody the character, and surprisingly, his preferred emergency treat is something other than marmalade – a bit of a surprise!

When were you first approached to create Paddington’s voice?

More than a decade has passed since then. I was strongly opposed to it as I had previously tried out multiple times for voice acting in animations, but I was terrible at it! Yet, they faced difficulties and were nearly done editing the initial movie, unable to locate a suitable voice actor.

Initially, Colin Firth was in contention for the role, but he gracefully stepped aside due to his belief that he might be too aged for the part. I wasn’t aware of this at the moment. Subsequently, I gave it a shot during auditions and honestly, I didn’t think my performance was impressive. I revisited the audition room a few more times, and I suspect they offered me the role out of necessity as time was running out.

The first attempt was rather hasty and disorganized; we weren’t exactly sure about what we were executing, but somehow parts of it miraculously managed to function. However, we had more time to work on the second film since I was involved from its inception. Now, having also worked on three seasons of the animated series, I find myself quite acquainted with the character.

What do you think is the key to Paddington’s voice?

I find myself quite uncomfortable contemplating that topic. frankly, I’m clueless when I’m involved in it. My approach isn’t unlike my usual self; it’s not as if I’m adopting a different persona, but there’s definitely a distinction. It seems he’s speaking in a Paddington-like manner, and then it’s mostly trial and error. The success lies in the smallest pauses, subtlest intonations, and what resonates with the animation.

When making a voice recording, it’s necessary to wear a motion-capture helmet equipped with a camera. This is because the animators need a real-time visual of your facial expressions for reference during animation. So, what’s it like going through this process?

Essentially, it’s similar to any other form of acting. I need to immerse myself in it. At first, I often feel quite self-conscious as I’m uncertain about it and it seems a bit odd, especially when I make these unusual growls. Initially, there’s no animation or visual aid. Instead, there’s just an empty screen where the bear will appear later. To overcome this self-consciousness, I have to approach it with the same carefree attitude as a child would. I experiment, play around, and try different things, but I also treat it seriously. Soon enough, I forget that the camera is capturing my expressions.

As for me, I too possess the classic Paddington accessories – his hat, coat, suitcase, and umbrella. Do these items aid me in slipping into the charming bear’s persona? Absolutely!

I placed the hat upon my head, carried an umbrella, and was assigned a part. I enacted portions of it, which is delightful as you can imagine, since Paddington is smaller than me, thus I must view everything he does from his physical point of view.

As a devoted cinemaphile, I can’t help but appreciate the creative process behind our exceptional animation director, Pablo [Grillo]. It seems that having tangible items as a starting point significantly boosts their ability to construct the animation, making it more immersive and captivating for us viewers.

A lot of the cast filmed in Peru and Colombia. Were you able to go?

Unfortunately, instead of exploring Peru and Colombia, I ended up spending all my time in a basement in Soho.

Do you spend any time at all with the rest of the cast?

I haven’t had the opportunity to meet Antonio Banderas, Olivia Colman, or even Hugh Grant for this film, but I truly hope to do so someday as their performances were incredibly captivating. Regarding Paddington 2, I didn’t get a chance to see Hugh Grant on set at all.

I’ve heard that you don’t like marmalade, so what would be your emergency snack?

Regrettably, I’m not fond of marmalade as it doesn’t sit well with my taste buds, but I have a strong affinity for Marmite. To me, the combination of Marmite and Lurpak butter on toast is nearly as good as heaven.

How would you describe the concept of ‘home’ based on the story of Paddington Bear in Peru, where he grapples with complex feelings related to this idea? To me, what does ‘home’ signify?

To put it simply, this movie reminds me of my own life journey – it could take place anywhere. You create your path, and you discover it. It might not be where you initially thought, and it may not start where you first begin. Now, I must confess that London feels like the place I belong. I adore it, even when it frustrates me or is gloomy and rainy.

It’s likely that we all experience a mixed connection with this place at times. Regardless of how much I may have enjoyed being elsewhere, the thought of returning to London always fills me with eagerness and anticipation, even when I’m away.

Paddington often feels like he doesn’t fit in. Have you ever felt like that?

It seems like Paddington’s character resonates with both children and adults alike, perhaps because of his frequent struggles in navigating social etiquette as a bear. This makes him relatable due to the mystery surrounding his actions, but also because he learns from his mistakes and has a heart full of kindness. It can be challenging at times to present ourselves as civilized adults, especially when it comes to interacting with others, and Paddington’s blunders reflect this struggle.

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Paddington in Peru will be released on Friday 8th November 2024.

2024-10-21 19:35

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