A live-action version of ‘Mr Benn’ is in development, with Nanny McPhee and I Swear director Kirk Jones attached to write and direct the film based on the much-loved British children’s classic.
If you’re under 30, or just somehow missed it, Mr Benn was one of those quietly iconic pieces of British children’s TV that seemed to be on forever, despite the fact only 13 episodes were ever actually made. Created by David McKee and first broadcast by the BBC in 1971, it followed a very ordinary man in a black suit and bowler hat who would pop into a magical fancy-dress shop, try on a costume, and step through a mysterious door into a completely new world. One week he might be a knight, the next a spaceman, pirate, wizard or cowboy. It was gentle, imaginative, slightly surreal, and repeated so often that it became lodged in the brains of generations of British kids. Even more bizarrely, Bagpuss and stablemates like Fingermouse also only ran for 13 episodes, which is kind of mind-blowing given how enormous they loom in British childhood memory.
The new film has an impressive team behind it. Producers include David Barron (Harry Potter), Jack Whitehall (Bad Education), Branwen Prestwood Smith (The Mauritanian), Mike Prestwood Smith, and Jones himself. Casting for the lead role and supporting parts is due to begin later this year, with production currently being targeted for 2027.
Jones said he adored Mr Benn as a child and immediately saw the value in bringing the character to a new generation in a live-action adventure. He described Mr Benn as someone who travels through time and space, visiting historical and futuristic worlds, and solving apparently enormous problems with kindness, compassion and common sense, which feels like exactly the sort of energy the world could use right now.
The McKee family said the project has been close to their hearts for many years, and was something David McKee often spoke about wanting to see happen. They added that they are thrilled to now have Jones on board and excited to revisit “Festive Road”, the fictional home of Mr Benn, which was inspired by the road where they grew up.
What makes Mr Benn such an interesting property to revive is that it was never loud or flashy. It didn’t rely on chaos or catchphrases or endless spin-offs. It was just a very British, very odd little idea about imagination, curiosity and stepping outside ordinary life for a while. The fact that it left such a huge mark with only 13 episodes is kind of amazing. That’s the sort of ratio modern TV executives can only dream of.
There have been attempts in the past to turn Mr Benn into a film, but this looks like the latest serious push to finally get it made. And with Jones involved, there’s every chance it could strike that tricky balance between nostalgia for the people who grew up with it and discovery for audiences meeting Mr Benn for the first time.
As this is still in development, there’s no release date yet, but we’ll let you know when we hear more.
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