Beloved children’s animated series Mr Benn to be adapted into a live action film

The beloved children’s animated series Mr Benn will be adapted into a live action film.

The adaptation is based on the 1971 series, created by David McKee, which follows Mr Benn, a bowler hatted ordinary man who goes on extraordinary adventures whenever he visits a magical fancy dress shop.

The film will be written and directed by bafta-nominated filmmaker Kirk Jones, who was behind I Swear, the biopic about Tourette Syndrome activist John Davidson.

Jones said: “I adored Mr Benn as a child and immediately saw the importance of introducing him to a new generation, in a live action adventure.

“Mr Benn finds a unique way to travel through time and space, visiting historical and futuristic worlds to solve apparently monumental problems, with kindness, compassion and common sense.

“Following on from I Swear, I am keen to work on a project that is humorous and entertaining, whilst at the same time, in a world full of distractions, help focus on what is important. If all goes to plan, Mr Benn might even save the world.”

The original series was first broadcast on the BBC in the 70s and only aired 13 episodes. However, due to its popularity, it was repeated regularly and became a favourite in British children’s television.

Casting for the lead and supporting roles is expected to start later this year, with production beginning in 2027.

Mr Benn’s creator McKee died in 2022, aged 87.

The McKee family said: “The Mr Benn film project has been close to our hearts for many years. It was something our father would often talk about, he was keen to see it happen.

“It has picked up momentum over time and the pieces have gradually come together.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to now have Kirk Jones on board to help guide it in the right direction and we are really excited about going back to Festive Road, where we grew up.”

Jones is also a producer on the film for One Story High and is joined by comedian and actor Jack Whitehall for Jackpot Productions along with Harry Potter’s David Barron for BeaglePug Ltd, and Branwen Prestwood Smith and Mike Prestwood Smith for 48 Films.