Legendary BBC cartoon Mr Benn being turned into live-action film with I Swear creator at the helm to reach 'a whole new audience' 55 years on from TV debut
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A legendary BBC cartoon is being adapted into a live-action film 55 years on from its TV debut - giving the beloved character a chance to reach 'a whole new audience'.
The 1970s series, which was created by David McKee, followed the escapades of Mr Benn, a man in a bowler hat who heads off on an exciting new journey each time he steps inside an enchanted costume shop.
BAFTA-nominated film maker Kirk Jones, who is best known for working on I Swear. the biographical film about John Davidson, a Tourette Syndrome campaigner, is behind the script and the new show's production.
The screenwriter said, according to The Mirror: '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.'
Legendary BBC cartoon Mr Benn is being adapted into a live-action film 55 years on from its TV debut - giving the beloved character a chance to reach 'a whole new audience'
BAFTA-nominated film maker Kirk Jones, who is best known for working on I Swear. the biographical film about John Davidson, is behind the script and the new show's production
Auditions for both leading and supporting stars are expected to begin this year, with filming scheduled for 2027 - and no set release date yet.
The original series launched in 1971 and ran for just 13 episodes, but despite its brief run, the show was frequently repeated on screen for decades.
The family of McKee, who wrote the original Mr Benn, passed away in 2022 at the age of 87, expressed their joy at the character making his return.
They added: '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.
'We're 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.'
It comes after the BBC snapped up a 'hugely ambitious' new kids' show dubbed 'the next Bluey' - which has promised to have your little ones hooked.
Last month, it was revealed that a 'fresh wave of children’s content' will be added to CBBC and CBeebies for young viewers to soon enjoy.
One of the shows to be added is from the Australian Children's Television Foundation (ACTF), titled Knee High Spies.
The programme, created by Tim Bain and written by Tim, Alix Beane and Charlotte Rose Hamlyn, premiered in 2025 and currently has 20 episodes.
Knee High Spies follows the life of a teddy bear called Jeremy Buttons and his spy pals as they try and take down their family's pet guinea pig.
On Tuesday it was revealed that a 'fresh wave of children’s content' will be added to CBBC and CBeebies - and one of the shows to be added is from the Australian Children's Television Foundation (ACTF) - Knee High Spies
It stars Orlando Steiner as Jeremy Buttons, Karen S Yee as Nana, Christine Whelan Browne as Mother, Gareth Yuen as Dad and Archie Zhang as Lacie.
The programme will soon be available to watch on CBeebies.
Kate Morton, senior head of commissioning for CBeebies at BBC Children’s and Education, said: 'We can’t wait for the U.K. to meet Jeremy Buttons and the team and to welcome this charming world into the CBeebies family.'
Meanwhile head of content at the ACTF, Bernadette O'Mahony added: 'We are delighted to have the BBC on board for Knee High Spies.
'It was a hugely ambitious series which has delivered on all fronts.
'We are excited by how quickly the audience has taken our tiny spies into their hearts and homes, and I know the BBC’s young viewers will do the same.'
Yakka Do!, Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club, Go Jetters Go!, Waffle’s After School Club, Football Fantastics, Musical Storyland, I Can Taste It and Froglets will be joining Knee High Spies on the channel.
The programme, created by Tim Bain, premiered in 2025 and currently has 20 episodes
Director of BBC Children’s and Education, Patricia Hidalgo, has said of the news the new shows arriving: 'The latest additions to our slate reinforce our commitment to backing world‑class talent and reaching as many families as possible with shows that help children laugh, grow and feel inspired.'
Another popular Australian telly show is Bluey. The programme was created, written and directed by Joe Brumm and airs on Australian channel ABC Kids.
Bluey hit screens in 2018 and has gone on to air 154 episodes across three series.
The series follows the life of a Blue Heller pup who lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her sister Bingo and their parents, and over the years it has become a huge fan favourite over in the UK.
David McCormack plays the role of Dad, while Melanie Zanetti is the voice of Mum.
The likes of Brad Elliot, Dan Brumm, Myf Warhurst and Meg Washington have also been part of the show.
Meanwhile the voices of Bluey and Bingo have never been revealed to the public.
Actress Melanie previously told Kidspot: 'All the children on the show are members of the family of people in production. I am so glad that the creatives on the show decided that no one would be in the credits to protect the young cast.'
