The BBC children’s series created by David McKee will be written and directed by BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Kirk Jones, with casting expected to start later this year
The cherished children’s cartoon Mr Benn is set to be transformed into a live action feature film.
The adaptation draws from the classic 1971 series, conceived by David McKee, which chronicles the escapades of Mr Benn, a bowler-hatted gentleman who embarks on remarkable journeys each time he steps into an enchanted costume shop.
BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Kirk Jones, known for his work on I Swear, the biographical film about Tourette Syndrome campaigner John Davidson, will pen the script and helm the production.
Jones remarked: “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 programme debuted on the BBC during the 1970s, comprising just 13 episodes. Despite its brief run, the show’s enduring appeal led to frequent repeats, cementing its status as a staple of British children’s programming.
Auditions for principal and supporting characters are anticipated to commence later this year, with filming scheduled to begin in 2027.
McKee, the visionary behind Mr Benn, passed away in 2022 at the age of 87. The McKee family expressed: “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.
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