A Legacy of Personality and Global Appeal
Created by British author and illustrator Roger Hargreaves in 1971, the “Mr. Men Little Miss” series has long been celebrated for its ability to express diverse human personalities and characteristics through universal stories and values. Sanrio acquired the brand in 2011, continuing its spirit of global expansion. Today, the vibrant cast has grown to over 90 characters, maintaining a passionate fanbase in historical markets like the UK and France, and gaining significant traction in the US, Australia, and various Asian countries. Japan saw the launch of its licensing business in 2013, solidifying the brand’s status as a globally recognized lifestyle icon through collaborations in fashion, health and beauty, and toys.
Sanrio’s Vision for Entertainment Expansion
This cinematic venture is a key component of Sanrio’s strategy to expand its brands into dynamic entertainment realms, reinforcing its long-term vision as an IP platformer. The “Mr. Men Little Miss” universe is already actively growing, with a new global animation series streaming on YouTube and a second animated series currently in production for television.
“We are incredibly excited about the Mr. Men Little Miss movie,” shared Adam Hargreaves, son of the late Roger Hargreaves. “My father would have been thrilled, and I am immensely proud that his creations are receiving the recognition they deserve on the big screen. This is certainly not a ‘small’ step for Mr. Small!” His sentiment captures the enduring charm and potential of the characters.
Anna Marsh, CEO of STUDIOCANAL and Chief Content Officer & Deputy CEO of CANAL+, expressed her confidence, stating, “We are proud to partner with Heyday Films and Sanrio to bring Roger Hargreaves’ unique and wonderful characters to cinema screens for the very first time. We are confident it will be a joyful, playful, and adventurous film that will captivate audiences worldwide. We can’t wait to get started!”
Sanrio Representative Director and President Tomokuni Tsuji emphasized the strategic importance: “‘Mr. Men Little Miss,’ one of Sanrio’s IPs with British roots, features unique and distinctive characters. We are thrilled to deliver their charm to audiences worldwide through this film. These 90-plus characters will act as ambassadors, bringing smiles to many and expanding the circle of happiness. Through our collaboration with STUDIOCANAL and Heyday Films, known for their numerous awards and high creativity, Sanrio will further accelerate its initiatives as an IP platformer, aiming to become a global entertainment company that delivers joy to the next generation.”
STUDIOCANAL’s extensive experience in family-oriented IP, exemplified by the highly successful “Paddington” film series and its related television productions and musical, underscores the strength of this collaboration. Heyday Films’ consistent delivery of acclaimed projects further solidifies the creative foundation for the “Mr. Men Little Miss” movie.
This move highlights Sanrio’s commitment to nurturing and evolving its diverse portfolio of beloved characters, ensuring their stories continue to resonate with new generations across various media platforms. The expansion of “Mr. Men Little Miss” into a major motion picture is a testament to the enduring appeal of Kawaii culture’s ability to transcend borders and bring universal joy through charming and relatable characters.
