Studiocanal, Heyday Films and Mister Men Limited have announce the development of a Mr. Men Little Miss feature film, based on the extensive works of the late Yorkshire writer and illustrator Roger Hargreaves.
From the studio and producers who brought you the Paddington franchise, and based on the beloved and iconic characters created by former ad exec Hargreaves, the film brings the ambition, humour, and world creation of Mr. Men and Little Miss to the big screen for the first time, offering a family experience designed to delight and entertain both children and adults, just as the stories have done for more than five decades.
Originally launched as a series of children’s books in 1971, Mr. Men/Little Miss has always been a celebration of emotions, individuality, and simple, universal storytelling – values established by Roger Hargreaves from the very beginning.
Since being acquired by Sanrio in 2011, the brand has expanded its global reach while remaining true to that original spirit. Today, its colourful cast spans over 90 characters, including special editions inspired by cultural figures, and enjoys devoted fanbases in heritage markets such as the United Kingdom and France, as well as across the United States, Australia and Asia. Recognised worldwide as a lifestyle brand, Mr. Men Little Miss continues to inspire collaborations across fashion, health and beauty, toys, and more.
READ MORE: £200m boost for North East cybersecurity, IT and cloud specialist
This film builds on two recent milestones in the Mr. Men Little Miss universe: the animated series now streaming on YouTube and a second animated series currently in production for television. Together, these initiatives underscore Sanrio’s strategy to extend the brand into dynamic entertainment platforms while maintaining publishing as its foundation.
Blending a rich heritage with fresh storytelling, the film will honour the humour, personality and warmth that made the original characters iconic, while inviting new audiences around the world to discover Mr. Men Little Miss in a bold contemporary and cinematic way.
Son of the late Roger Hargreaves, Adam Hargreaves, said: “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.”
David Heyman, producer, Heyday Films, 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.”
Anna Marsh, CEO of Studiocanal, chief content officer of Canal+ and deputy CEO of Canal+, said: “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.”
Studiocanal is no stranger to iconic British kids books. The firm owns the Paddington IP, producing three Emmy Award-winning series of The Adventures of Paddington and three successful big-screen outings, all produced and developed by Studiocanal with Heyday Films. Paddington released in 2014, Paddington 2 in 2017, and Paddington in Peru in 2024, enjoying critical and commercial acclaim and becoming the biggest independent family franchise of all time. Paddington The Musical is also currently previewing at The Savoy Theatre in London’s West End.
