Studiocanal and Heyday Films, who last collaborated on the beloved hit “Paddington” franchise, are teaming up again on another prestige British family IP with blockbuster potential, “Mr. Men Little Miss.”
The two companies are developing a feature film which will bring the iconic characters created by British writer and illustrator Roger Hargreaves to the big screen for the first time.
The banners have enlisted Mister Men Limited, a Sanrio Group company, onto the project with the ambition to appeal to both children and adults around the world, just as the books have done for the last five decades.
Originally published in 1971 as the “Mr. Men” series before being joined by the accompanying “Little Miss” series in 1981, the books have sold more than 250 million copies, turning its beloved characters — each defined by a single personality trait — into multigenerational icons.
The characters consists of Little Miss Helpful, who desperately wants to help but creates chaos; the ever optimistic Mr. Happy; Little Miss Sunshine, who always makes things better; Mr. Tickle, who has very long arms and likes to make others giggle; Mrs. Grumpy, who is perpetually irritated; and the mischievous Little Miss Naughty.
“Mr. Men Little Miss” is the number one selling children’s book series in France and one of the best selling pre-school brands in the U.K.
Since being acquired by Sanrio in 2011, the world of “Mr. Men Little Miss” has been extended into a wider range of entertainment platforms beyond its publishing core, in fashion, health and beauty and toys, among others.
Sanrio, whose brand portfolio also includes “Hello Kitty,” has expanded the colorful cast of “Mr. Men Little Miss," which now spans over 90 characters, including special editions inspired by cultural figures, and enjoys fanbases in markets such as the U.K. and France, Australia and Asia.
The project will build on a “Mr. Men Little Miss” animated series that’s now streaming on YouTube and a second animated series currently in production for television.
Like “Paddington,” the movie will look to blend the humor, personality and warmth that made the original characters iconic, while bringing in new audiences.
Studiocanal and Heyday Films have a stellar track record in the premium family entertainment space.
Studiocanal has produced three Emmy Award-winning series of “The Adventures of Paddington,” while “Paddington” has also enjoyed three successful big-screen outings, all produced and developed with Heyday Films.
The latest chapter, “Paddington in Peru” came out in 2024, with the series now the biggest independent family franchise of all time.
“Paddington The Musical” is also currently previewing at The Savoy Theatre in London’s West End to rave reviews produced by special arrangement with Studiocanal.
Anna Marsh, Studiocanal’s CEO, Canal+’s COO and deputy CEO, revealed in an interview with Variety last month that Studiocanal was developing a “Paddington” animated feature, alongside the fourth opus in the film franchise.
Ron Halpern, EVP of global production, and Joe Naftalin, SVP of global Production and head of UK film production will oversee the “Mr. Men Little Miss” feature for Studiocanal
Follow the latest news on Google News
