The beloved animated comedy franchise 'Paddington' is set to expand with a fourth installment, 'Paddington 4.' Emmy-winning writer Armando Iannucci, recognized for his work on 'Veep' and 'The Thick of It,' will take the helm of the screenplay alongside his frequent collaborator Simon Blackwell. This marks a significant addition to the franchise, which has collectively earned over $800 million at the global box office across its previous films. Dougal Wilson, who directed the third film, 'Paddington in Peru,' is reportedly in talks to return as director. The production will continue under the guidance of producer Rosie Alison at Heyday Films. The announcement of 'Paddington 4' earlier this year has generated excitement among fans of the franchise, which has been praised for its charm and humor since the release of the first film in 2014. Iannucci's extensive experience in comedy writing, including his creation of the iconic character Alan Partridge and his Oscar-nominated film 'In the Loop,' positions him well to contribute to the beloved series.