48 Films, BeaglePug Ltd, Jackpot Productions and One Story High
announce that MR BENN, a live-action film adaptation of the beloved
British children’s animated series, is currently in development.
BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Kirk Jones (I Swear, Nanny McPhee, Waking Ned)
is confirmed to write and direct.
Casting for the lead role of Mr Benn plus supporting roles is due to
start later this year, with production expected to begin next year.
MR BENN is based on the classic animated series created by David
McKee and first broadcast on the BBC in 1971. In the much-loved series,
Mr Benn is an ordinary man who has extraordinary adventures whenever he
visits a magical fancy-dress shop.
Though only 13 episodes were produced, due to its popularity the series was repeated regularly and became one of the most fondly remembered programmes in British
children’s television history, often ranking among the greatest
children’s shows of all time in viewer polls.
Writer and Director Kirk Jones (I Swear, Nanny McPhee, Waking Ned Devine) notes his immediate connection to the character and the live-action film adaptation:
“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 McKee family add:
“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.”
MR BENN is produced by Branwen Prestwood Smith (The Mauritanian) and
Mike Prestwood Smith for 48 Films, David Barron (the Harry Potter
franchise) for BeaglePug Ltd, Jack Whitehall (Bad Education) for Jackpot
Productions and Kirk Jones (I Swear) for One Story High.
