Harry Potter co-stars Sir Michael Gambon and Imelda Staunton are reuniting onscreen to help bring beloved children's character Paddington Bear to life in an upcoming movie.

Gambon, who replaced the late Richard Harris as Professor Dumbledore in the boy wizard films, will provide the voice of Uncle Pastuzo, while Staunton will play Aunt Lucy.

Skyfall actor Ben Whishaw will take on the title role in Paddington after Colin Firth walked away from the project earlier this year (14).

Another Harry Potter star, Julie Walters, will also be part of the cast, alongside Nicole Kidman, Downton Abbey's Hugh Bonneville and new Doctor Who Peter Capaldi.

The film, based on the books by author Michael Bond, is scheduled for release at Christmas (14).