From the man who bought you I Swear

Jack Whitehall is producing a live-action version of classic kids’ TV series Mr Benn.

The comic’s company, Jackpot Productions, is one of the firms behind the project.

Casting is not due to start until later this year, but Kirk Jones will write and direct – a major departure from his last movie, I Swear, about Tourette's sufferer John Davidson.

The animated series was created by David McKee and first aired on the BBC in 1971. Only 13 episodes were ever made.

It revolves around a man who regularly leaves his house at 52 Festive Road to head to the local fancy-dress shop, tended by a moustachioed, fez-wearing owner. There he dons his chosen outfit and walks through a magical door to have adventures that match his costume. 

Jones said: ‘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 other producers are Branwen Prestwood Smith  and Mike Prestwood Smith for 48 Films, David Barron  for BeaglePug Ltd and Nanny McPhee director Jones for One Story High.

Production is expected to take place next year. 

In a statement, the McKee family 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. 

‘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.’

The notion of a film was first mooted as long ago as 1999 – when Whitehall was just 11 – with John Hannah as Mr Benn and Ben Kingsley as the shopkeeper. But nothing came of it.

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Published: 24 Mar 2026