Mr. Bean’s Holiday – The Lovable Goof is Back!

Mr. Bean’s Holiday – also known as Bean 2 – is the 2007 follow-up to the 1997 comedy film Bean, which was based off of a long-running British comedy series starring funnyman Rowan Atkinson.

Atkinson played the title character, Mr. Bean, who never appeared to have a first name, other than Mister. The show followed the character’s exploits as he had trouble tackling everyday tasks and caused chaos wherever he went. Atkinson has been quoted as describing him as “a child trapped in a grown man’s body.”

While the first film made quite an impact at the global box office, it was criticized for its supposed Americanization, and for not focusing enough on the character of Bean, as the show did.

That said, its financial success ensure a sequel and Mr. Bean’s Holiday was born. News of the project first surfaced in 2005 and it was reported that English actor Simon McBurney would be writing the screenplay. This turned out to be partly true, as McBurney co-wrote the screenplay with Rowan Atkinson, Hamish McColl, and Robin Driscoll. Mel Smith, who directed the first film, will not be returning to helm the sequel. Instead, Steve Bendelack, who was directed several British TV shows, will take his place at the reigns.

Rowan Atkinson has gone on record to state that this will be the last Mr. Bean film.

Although Mr. Bean’s Holiday doesn’t open in US theaters until August 31st, 2007, it’s been released in several other countries and has already earned $126 million worldwide. As of the time of this writing, April 22nd, 2007, it has had the biggest opening for a 2007 film so far in the United Kingdom.

I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that Mr. Bean will be sorely missed.

If you’re in the US like me, this trailer will have to hold you over until the film opens in August.