A Mr Benn movie is on the way courtesy of Kirk Jones, the writer and director of the BAFTA-winning I Swear. The film will be based on the popular 1970s animated TV show about an ordinary man who has extraordinary adventures whenever he visits a magical fancy-dress shop.
It is absolute madness to learn that just 13 episodes of this magnificent series were made – it felt like they were endlessly on all of the time during my youth – but that is indeed the case.
The animated series was created by David McKee and first broadcast on the BBC in 1971.
Jones, who also directed Nanny McPhee and Waking Ned Devine spoke about his immediate connection to the character and the live-action film adaptation in an official press release announcing the project.
“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 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.”
More on the Mr Benn movie as it comes our way.
