Watch Ukraine's Zelensky voicing Paddington Bear in the Ukrainian version of Paddington
Amid a Russian invasion, Ukraine is being led by one of the stars of the Paddington movies — the Ukrainian version, at least.
As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gains international recognition and support for his leadership after Russia's attack on the country, new tidbits about his past roles as an actor continue to resurface. In the latest example, Paddington star Hugh Bonneville noted on Twitter he just found out Zelensky voiced the titular cartoon bear in the Ukrainian dub of the 2014 film and its sequel, Paddington 2.
Bonneville also shared a behind-the-scenes YouTube video showing Zelensky discussing the role and performing the voiceover. "Paddington' [is a film] you can go to see with your whole family, and everyone will enjoy it regardless of your age," Zelensky says in the video, according to Variety. "You know you will definitely walk out of the film in a fantastic mood." Ben Whishaw voiced the character in the English versions of the films.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Zelensky was an actor and comedian prior to his presidency, creating and starring in Servant of the People, in which he plays a teacher who is elected president of Ukraine. He later actually ran for president and easily won the election; he's served as president since 2019. During an acceptance speech at Sunday's SAG Awards, Michael Keaton noted "a fellow actor," Zelensky, was "fighting the fight" in Ukraine. Zelensky has also appeared on several Ukrainian reality TV shows.
"Speaking for myself," Bonneville tweeted, "thank you, President Zelenskiy."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Today's political cartoons - December 21, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - losing it, pedal to the metal, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Three fun, festive activities to make the magic happen this Christmas Day
Inspire your children to help set the table, stage a pantomime and write thank-you letters this Christmas!
By The Week Junior Published
-
The best books of 2024 to give this Christmas
The Week Recommends From Percival Everett to Rachel Clarke these are the critics' favourite books from 2024
By The Week UK Published
-
Honda and Nissan in merger talks
Speed Read The companies are currently Japan's second and third-biggest automakers, respectively
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift wraps up record-shattering Eras tour
Speed Read The pop star finally ended her long-running tour in Vancouver, Canada
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Drake claims illegal boosting, defamation
Speed Read The rapper accused Universal Music of boosting Kendrick Lamar's diss track and said UMG allowed him to be falsely accused of pedophilia
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' ignite holiday box office
Speed Read The combination of the two movies revitalized a struggling box office
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Jussie Smollet conviction overturned on appeal
Speed Read The Illinois Supreme Court overturned the actor's conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published