Exclusive: 'Paddington' Producers Studiocanal and Heyday Working on 'Mr. Men Little Miss' Movie

Studiocanal and Heyday Films, who previously collaborated on the hugely successful Paddington series, are joining forces once again for a new British family film, "Mr. Men Little Miss". This project will mark the first cinematic adaptation of the beloved characters created by British author and illustrator Roger Hargreaves.

The film development is in partnership with Mister Men Limited, part of the Sanrio Group, aiming to engage both children and adults globally, continuing the legacy of the books that have delighted audiences for over fifty years.

About the Books

The original Mr. Men series debuted in 1971, followed by the Little Miss series in 1981. Together, the books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide, introducing iconic characters each defined by a unique personality trait. These include:

• Little Miss Helpful, who tries to assist but often causes chaos
• Mr. Happy, known for his optimism
• Little Miss Sunshine, who spreads positivity
• Mr. Tickle, with extremely long arms who loves to make people laugh
• Mrs. Grumpy, always irritated
• Little Miss Naughty, the playful trickster

The series remains a top-selling childrens franchise in France and a leading preschool brand in the U.K.

Sanrio's Expansion

Acquired by Sanrio in 2011, the Mr. Men Little Miss brand has expanded beyond books into fashion, toys, and other entertainment platforms. The franchise now includes over 90 characters, including special editions inspired by cultural icons, and has established audiences in the U.K., France, Australia, and Asia.

Film Adaptation

The upcoming film will build on the existing Mr. Men Little Miss animated series on YouTube and a second animated series currently in production for television. Similar to Paddington, the movie aims to capture the humor, charm, and warmth that made the original characters so enduring, while attracting new audiences worldwide.

Adam Hargreaves, son of Roger Hargreaves, said, "Its incredible that the Mr. Men and Little Miss characters will have their own film. My father would have been thrilled, and I am proud to see his creation on the big screen."

David Heyman of Heyday Films, known for Harry Potter and Barbie, added, "The globally beloved books of Mr Men and Little Miss offer an irresistible opportunity for a bold and imaginative feature film adaptation."

Executive Statements

Anna Marsh, CEO of Studiocanal, stated, "We are honored to collaborate with Heyday and Sanrio in bringing Roger Hargreaves iconic characters to theaters for the first time. This film promises joy, mischief, and adventure for audiences of all ages."

Tomokuni Tsuji, president and CEO of Sanrio Co., Ltd., said, "We are excited to introduce Mr. Men Little Miss, one of Sanrios most cherished IPs, to audiences worldwide. These stories continue to spread happiness and smiles globally."

Production Team

Studiocanal and Heyday Films have a proven track record in family entertainment, having produced the Emmy-winning The Adventures of Paddington series and three successful Paddington films. The newest installment, Paddington in Peru, was released in 2024, and Paddington The Musical is currently previewing in Londons West End.

For Mr. Men Little Miss, Ron Halpern (EVP of Global Production) and Joe Naftalin (SVP of Global Production, Head of UK Film) will oversee the project for Studiocanal.

Author: Caleb Jennings