New adventures, bigger laughs, and a surprisingly heartfelt journey into growing up — Peter returns for one final hop.
In Peter Rabbit 3 (2024), the cheeky blue-jacketed bunny returns to the big screen in a film that’s livelier, funnier, and more emotionally resonant than ever. While the first two installments leaned heavily on slapstick chaos and fast-paced hijinks, this third (and likely final) chapter finds Peter at a crossroads — caught between adventure and responsibility, rebellion and family.
Directed once again by Will Gluck, and voiced charmingly by James Corden, Peter’s final romp takes audiences on a journey that’s not just across fields and farmers' markets, but into themes of identity, legacy, and learning when to leap… and when to stay still.
Plot Summary: A New Kind of Trouble
Following the events of Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway, Peter has mostly settled into life with Thomas (Domhnall Gleeson) and Bea (Rose Byrne), who have turned their humble home into a cozy countryside retreat — and a successful children’s book business inspired by Peter’s real-life mischief.
But fame doesn’t sit well with Peter. Frustrated with how he’s portrayed in Bea’s books (as a lovable nuisance), he sets off to prove he’s more than just trouble with whiskers.
When an offer comes from a famous city zoo to make Peter the star of a wildlife campaign — with billboards, merch, and even a theme song — he’s tempted. It feels like the grown-up version of the adventure he’s always craved.
But things quickly spiral when he discovers the zoo’s plans involve more confinement than celebration. Meanwhile, back home, the garden is under threat from a greedy land developer who plans to pave over their woodland.
With his animal friends (Benjamin, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail) rallying together and Thomas reluctantly stepping in to help, Peter must decide what kind of rabbit he truly wants to be — the lone runaway… or the hero who comes home.
Familiar Faces and New Laughs
The film brings back all the familiar voices and characters fans have come to love, including:
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Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki, and Aimee Horne as the sisters Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail
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Colin Moody as the ever-loyal Benjamin Bunny
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Newcomers include Dev Patel as the charming but shady zoo director, and Florence Pugh as a smooth-talking raccoon who helps Peter in the city — for a price
The humor is snappy and clever, with enough gags for kids and sly jokes for adults. There’s a great balance between CGI mayhem and tender moments, especially as Peter begins to understand how his actions affect others.
Themes: Growing Up Without Letting Go
Beneath its furry surface, Peter Rabbit 3 tells a surprisingly poignant story about growing up. Peter, who has always defined himself by his troublemaking, is forced to ask: What if the thing that made me special... is the thing I need to let go of to grow?
The film doesn’t lecture, but gently nudges its audience to reflect on identity, change, and the idea that we can evolve without losing our spirit.
Bea and Thomas, meanwhile, represent stability and love — and the difficulties of parenting (even if the “child” is a rabbit with attitude). Their scenes with Peter are some of the film’s most touching, especially when they stop seeing him as a character in a book, and start seeing him as a young soul trying to find his place.
Visuals and Music
The animation is better than ever — expressive, vibrant, and seamlessly integrated into real-world settings. London’s cityscape gets a playful redesign, turning everything from taxi cabs to construction cranes into comic set pieces for Peter to bounce across.
The soundtrack is energetic and whimsical, with original songs that blend folk and pop, including a catchy finale number titled “Hop On Home”, sure to get stuck in your head (in the best way).
Critical Reception and Legacy
Critics have praised Peter Rabbit 3 as the most mature and well-balanced entry in the trilogy. While the first two films leaned heavily on slapstick, this one finds a more meaningful center — still fun, but with heart and growth.
Fans of the books will appreciate the nods to Beatrix Potter’s original illustrations and storytelling tone, especially in the ending montage, which brings things full circle in a charming and nostalgic way.
The film doesn’t overstay its welcome, clocking in under 95 minutes, and leaves room for laughs, lessons, and a satisfying farewell to a surprisingly rich cinematic version of Peter’s world.
Final Thoughts
Peter Rabbit 3 proves that even mischievous rabbits can grow up — without losing what makes them special. With humor, heart, and a deeper message, it wraps up Peter’s journey in a way that will delight fans young and old.
For longtime viewers, it’s a joyful goodbye. For younger ones, it’s a gentle reminder: growing up isn’t about stopping the adventure — it’s about choosing where to hop next.