Studiocanal and Heyday Films have announced their collaboration on a feature film adaptation of the beloved British series, “Mr. Men Little Miss.” This project marks the first time the iconic characters, created by British author and illustrator Roger Hargreaves, will be brought to the big screen. The partnership aims to capture the essence of the series, appealing to both children and adults globally.
The “Mr. Men” series debuted in 1971, followed by the “Little Miss” series in 1981. Together, they have sold over 250 million copies, becoming multigenerational icons. Each character is defined by a single personality trait, such as the helpful yet chaotic Little Miss Helpful and the eternally optimistic Mr. Happy. The series is particularly popular in France, where it ranks as the top-selling children’s book series, and is also a leading preschool brand in the U.K.
The film project has enlisted Mister Men Limited, a subsidiary of Sanrio Group, which acquired the franchise in 2011. Sanrio has since broadened the “Mr. Men Little Miss” universe beyond publishing, expanding into various sectors including fashion, health, beauty, and toys. The brand now features over 90 characters, with special editions inspired by cultural icons, appealing to audiences in regions such as the U.K., France, Australia, and Asia.
Bringing Characters to Life
The upcoming movie will build on the existing animated series, which is currently streaming on YouTube, and a second animated series in production for television. Much like the successful “Paddington” films, the “Mr. Men Little Miss” movie will blend humor and warmth, aiming to introduce these cherished characters to a new generation.
Adam Hargreaves, son of Roger Hargreaves, expressed his excitement about the film, saying, “It’s an amazing thought to think that the Mr. Men and Little Miss are going to feature in their own film. 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.”
David Heyman, producer at Heyday Films, emphasized the unique opportunity the project presents. “The globally beloved books of Mr. Men and Little Miss offer an irresistible opportunity for a bold and imaginative feature film adaptation,” he stated.
Studiocanal’s CEO, Anna Marsh, also highlighted the significance of the project. “We are so thrilled and honored 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,” she said.
A Vision for Global Joy
Tomokuni Tsuji, president and CEO of Sanrio Co., Ltd., shared his enthusiasm for the film’s potential to resonate with audiences worldwide. He remarked, “We are thrilled to share ‘Mr. Men Little Miss’—one of Sanrio’s strongest IPs with British iconic roots—with audiences worldwide through this film.”
With an extensive portfolio in family entertainment, Studiocanal and Heyday Films have a proven track record, including the award-winning “Paddington” series. The latest installment, “Paddington in Peru,” was released in 2024, further solidifying the franchise’s status as the biggest independent family series of all time.
The announcement of the “Mr. Men Little Miss” film adds another layer to the growing legacy of these characters, promising an experience filled with joy, mischief, and adventure for audiences of all ages. As the project progresses, it aims to deliver a captivating story that honors the spirit of Roger Hargreaves’ creations while engaging new fans in the process.
