Desde Hollywood was present at the Los Angeles press conference of PADDINGTON 2, the phenomenal sequel that is as charming and entertaining as the great first film.

The super talented Hugh Bonneville, director Paul King, and writer Simon Farnaby shared insightful and funny words, but it was Hugh Grant -he plays egocentric showman and mischievous thief Phoenix Buchanan- who stole the show.

Showcasing a witty, deadpan sense of humor, the performer made the entire room burst into laughter. Find below some of the most hilarious things that he said.

PADDINGTON 2 is now playing in theaters nationwide.

“It was fun. I have almost bottomless reservoirs of what Phoenix has: self-regard, paranoia, loathing. All these things! So it was lovely to just wade around in them. If I actually tried to be a little subtle or find psychological motivation for what I said or did, Paul (King, director and co-writer) soon pooh-poohed that. He wasn’t interested in that. Just cheap laughs, really.”

“Most nights my house is staked out by children carrying flares. But luckily I’m quite well armed and have dealt with the situation. On the whole, children quite like it. The only child who hasn’t loved the film and me, frankly, is my son. I took him to see the film at a preview with 100 of his friends and he sat stone-faced, wondering, ‘Why are you in it so much?’ So that was very sad.”

“Very nice of you to say I’ve played lots of roles when we really know I’ve only played one,” Grant retorted, keeping a straight face. I’ve not enjoyed any of them. I hate my job. Is there something I’d like to play? I say no. My hope is that the phone will not ring.”

“I took my 89-year-old father. Halfway through the film, he asked me, ‘Is that a real bear?’”

“I haven’t done a dog food commercial yet. Although I feel after this film it’s only a matter of time.”

The film, directed by Paul King (Paddington), stars Hugh Grant, Brendan Gleeson, Peter Capaldi, Jim Broadbent, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Imelda Staunton, and Ben Whishaw.

PADDINGTON 2 is now playing in theaters nationwide.

 

Paddington is happily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, where he has become a popular member of the community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes. While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, Paddington spots a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief.