‘Mr. Men Little Miss’ Feature In Development From ‘Paddington’ Partners Studiocanal, Heyday Films

Paddington partners Studiocanal and Heyday Films are teaming with Sanrio’s Mister Men Limited to develop the first-ever Mr. Men Little Miss feature film, bringing Roger Hargreaves’ classic characters to theaters after more than five decades as a publishing and merchandising powerhouse.

Previous attempts to bring the franchise to film date back to the mid-2010s, when 20th Century Fox Animation acquired the motion-picture rights for Mr. Men Little Miss. However, that adaptation never materialized, the project quietly stalled, Fox Animation got bought by Disney, and the rights eventually moved on, leaving the characters confined to books, television, and online versions until now.

According to a Studiocanal press release, the new project aims to translate the brand’s humor, emotional clarity, and iconic visual style into a contemporary animated family film. The release did not include info about animation techniques, studios, or talent attached to the project.

The Mr. Men Little Miss franchise began in 1971 and has since expanded to more than 90 characters, with global fanbases in the U.K., France, the U.S., Australia, and Asia. Since Sanrio acquired the property in 2011, the company has increased its international footprint while leaning further into entertainment. The upcoming feature follows two recent milestones for the IP: a YouTube animated series now streaming and another television series currently in production.

Adam Hargreaves, son of creator Roger Hargreaves, expressed his excitement in today’s release:

It’s an amazing thought to think that the Mr. Men and Little Miss are going to feature in their own film; it’s very exciting news. My father would have been thrilled, and I can’t say how proud I am of his creation that it merits an appearance on the big screen. It’s a big step up for Mr Small.

Producer David Heyman added:

The globally beloved books of Mr. Men and Little Miss offer an irresistible opportunity for a bold and imaginative feature film adaptation.  I’m delighted to be partnering with Studiocanal and Sanrio on what promises to be a captivating new creative adventure in the evergreen world of Mr. Men and Little Miss.

Studiocanal CEO Anna Marsh called the film a joyful expansion of the studio’s family slate:

We are so thrilled and honoured to be working with our close friends and partners at Heyday and Sanrio in bringing Roger Hargreaves’ wonderful and iconic characters to the big screen for the very first time. An incredible privilege, and an undeniable opportunity for joy, mischief, and adventure – that we know will inspire and delight theatrical audiences, young and old, around the world today. We can’t wait to get started!

No creative release window has been announced for the film, and we don’t even know what state of development it’s in, but the involvement of the Paddington partners likely signals an ambitious, high-profile adaptation of the iconic franchise.