Mr Benn is back! Beloved children’s classic set for live-action movie

Mr Benn is officially heading back to our screens, and this time it is for a live-action big-screen adventure.

The much-loved children’s character, famous for his bowler hat and magical trips through a fancy-dress shop, is being adapted into a new film by award-winning writer and director Kirk Jones.

For many parents who grew up in the 70s, 80s and 90s watching BBC reruns, the news will feel like a warm hit of nostalgia. And for a new generation of little viewers, it could be their first introduction to the quietly heroic man from Festive Road.

A classic children’s character returns

Mr Benn was first created by author and illustrator David McKee in 1967. Across four original books, titled Red Knight, Gladiator, Pirate and Zoo Keeper, readers followed an ordinary man in a lounge suit and bowler hat who discovered extraordinary worlds through a magical costume shop.

Each time Mr Benn tried on a new outfit, he would step through a mysterious door at the back of the changing room and into an adventure shaped by his costume. Whether travelling to the past or imagining the future, the stories always carried a gentle moral message for children.

The books were adapted into a BBC animated series that ran from 1971 to 1972. Although only 13 episodes were ever made, the show became one of the most fondly remembered programmes in British children’s television history thanks to frequent repeats.

Now, more than 50 years later, Mr Benn is set for his first ever live-action adaptation.

Who is behind the new Mr Benn film?

The film will be directed by Kirk Jones, the award-winning filmmaker behind Nanny McPhee, Waking Ned Devine and, more recently, I Swear. Production is due to start later this year, with filming expected to begin in early 2027.

Jones has spoken about his personal connection to the character and his hopes for bringing Mr Benn to a new audience.

I adored Mr Benn as a child and immediately saw the importance of introducing him to a new generation, in a live action adventure.

He also shared how he sees the character translating to today’s world, saying: "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."

For parents navigating a fast-paced, screen-heavy world with their children, that focus on kindness and common sense feels especially timely.

Jones added: "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."

A project close to David McKee’s heart

David McKee published a fifth Mr Benn book in 2001, more than 30 years after the original series. He hinted that more stories might follow, but no further books were released before his death in 2022.

The idea of a film adaptation had reportedly been discussed for many years.

In a statement about the new live-action project, 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, 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."

For families who treasure the original books, that involvement is likely to offer reassurance that the spirit of Mr Benn will be carefully preserved.

Why Mr Benn still matters to families today

While the original episodes were short and softly spoken, their themes remain surprisingly relevant. Each story centred on problem-solving, empathy and stepping into someone else’s shoes, sometimes quite literally.

In a landscape filled with fast-paced animation and high-stakes drama, Mr Benn’s gentle storytelling and imaginative play feel refreshingly simple. It is easy to imagine the live-action film leaning into those values while adding cinematic scale for modern audiences.

For millennial mums who remember sitting cross-legged in front of the TV watching Mr Benn disappear through that shop door, the upcoming film offers a lovely full-circle moment. It is a chance to share a piece of childhood with their own children, this time on the big screen.

Filming is set to begin in early 2027, so there is still a little wait before we see who will step into the iconic bowler hat. But one thing is certain, a new adventure on Festive Road is officially on its way.