I Swear filmmaker Kirk Jones has signed to write, direct and produce the live-action feature film adaptation of UK TV series Mr Benn
Casting is starting later this year on the project, including for the title role and supporting characters, with production targeted for 2027. Screen first reported on the project in 2021.
The project is being produced by Branwen Prestwood Smith and Mike Prestwood Smith for 48 Films, David Barron for BeaglePug, actor and comedian Jack Whitehall for Jackpot Productions, and Jones for One Story High.
Mr Benn will be based on the children’s animated series about an ordinary man, dressed in a signature suit and bowler hat, who has extraordinary adventures whenever he visits a magical fancy dress shop and chooses a new outfit.
The series was created by David McKee and first broadcast on the BBC in 1971. Only 13 episodes were produced, but the series remains popular 55 years later.
“I adored Mr Benn as a child and immediately saw the importance of introducing him to a new generation, in a live-action adventure,” said UK-based Jones. “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 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,” said the McKee family in a statement. “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 excited about going back to Festive Road, where we grew up.”
Jones has directed six feature films, including 2005’s Nanny McPhee, 2016’s My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 and last year’s I Swear, which took over £6m at the UK-Ireland box office, and was nominated for five Bafta film awards, winning best actor for Robert Aramayo and best casting for Lauren Evans.
48 Films produced Kevin Macdonald’s 2021 thriller The Mauritanian, while Barron’s credits include the Harry Potter film series.
No comments yet