Kirk Jones to Direct Live-Action Adaptation of Mr Benn: A Magical Journey Awaits!

Kirk Jones to Direct Live-Action Adaptation of Mr Benn: A Magical Journey Awaits!

Kirk Jones, the filmmaker behind the BAFTA-winning movie I Swear, is currently working on a live-action adaptation of the popular British children's animated series, Mr Benn. The project is a collaboration between 48 Films, BeaglePug Ltd, Jackpot Productions, and One Story High. Mr Benn, based on David McKee's iconic character, follows the adventures of an ordinary man who experiences magical journeys whenever he visits a costume shop in his neighborhood. The animated series, based on McKee's books first published in 1967, aired on the BBC from 1971 to 1972.

The casting for the lead role of Mr Benn and other supporting characters is set to begin later this year, with production scheduled to start next year. Kirk Jones, known for his work on Nanny McPhee and Waking Ned, expressed his excitement about bringing Mr Benn to a new generation in a live-action format. He highlighted the character's ability to travel through time and space, solving challenges with kindness, compassion, and common sense.

Following the success of I Swear, Jones aims to create a project that is both humorous and meaningful, offering a refreshing perspective in today's world. He envisions Mr Benn as a character who can entertain audiences while also emphasizing important values. The late author David McKee, known for creating Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, had expressed his desire to see a movie adaptation of Mr Benn come to life. The McKee family is thrilled to have Kirk Jones leading the project and is excited to revisit the world of Mr Benn.

The production of Mr Benn is a collaborative effort involving Branwen Prestwood Smith and Mike Prestwood Smith from 48 Films, David Barron from BeaglePug Ltd, Jack Whitehall from Jackpot Productions, and Kirk Jones from One Story High. The team is dedicated to bringing the beloved character of Mr Benn to the big screen in a new and exciting way. Stay tuned for updates on this upcoming live-action adventure featuring the timeless charm of Mr Benn.