Will Mr. Bean be returning to the screen?
London, UK - Will one of the UK's most iconic faces of the 1990s be returning to the screen?
It's been 30 years since Rowan Atkinson (66) first appeared in the role of Mr. Bean, a bumbling man with a knack for getting himself into unusual situations.
Just 15 episodes and two specials were enough to make British comedy series into a renowned brand with a worldwide audience, including a large fanbase in the US.
Due to its popularity, the show was soon followed by the 1997 spinoff, Bean, and the 2007 feature film, Mr. Bean's Holiday. The show was even adapted into a short animated series in the early 2000s.
Writer Richard Curtis (64), who produced the sitcom alongside Rowan Atkinson, is now planning an update, according to the Mirror.
The new version will feature a much grumpier version of the British cultural icon, according to Curtis. "Old Bean is what we’re now thinking of doing," he said.
The feature film will most likely be an animated version of Mr. Bean, as Atkinson just recently revealed he finds playing the character "stressful and exhausting."
This is Rowan Atkinson a.k.a. Mr. Bean today:
Rowan Atkinson feels more comfortable performing Mr. Bean "vocally"
The news comes after the British actor told Radio Times that he doesn't enjoy playing Mr. Bean because the "weight of responsibility is not pleasant."
It would be easier for him to perform the character "vocally than visually," he explained, possibly hinting that an animated movie was in the works.
30 years after the first episode aired, many viewers would have certainly loved to see the aged Atkinson return to the screen as a grumpy Mr. Bean.
However, a "live" return remains unlikely, as the actor said he was looking forward to the end of his time in the role.
Cover photo: EPA/DANIEL DEME