Rowan Atkinson Shares Candid Thoughts on Mr. Bean Character

Renowned actor Rowan Atkinson has recently opened up about his mixed feelings towards one of his most famous creations, Mr. Bean. At a London screening of his upcoming Netflix series, Man vs Baby, Atkinson candidly expressed that he does not find Mr. Bean particularly likable.

During the event, Atkinson shared his thoughts with attendees, stating, “I dislike Mr. Bean as a person; I certainly would never like to have dinner with him.” He described Mr. Bean as a “selfish, self-serving, anarchic child,” acknowledging the character’s appeal lies in his eccentric behavior.

Atkinson further elaborated on the connection he feels with Mr. Bean, noting that the character embodies a more impulsive version of himself from childhood. “I like him as a character because he is possibly a bit like I was at age 10 – that sort of childish sort of selfishness and working things out in a slightly eccentric way,” he explained. Despite this fondness, he emphasized that he would not want the character in his home.

Comparing Characters: Mr. Bean vs. Trevor Bingley

In addition to discussing Mr. Bean, Atkinson compared the character to Trevor Bingley, the protagonist of his new series. He stated that while Mr. Bean’s antics may be entertaining on screen, they do not reflect the qualities of a “nice guy” like Trevor. “Trevor Bingley, in his basic form, is arguably one of the nicest people I’ve ever played,” Atkinson said.

Atkinson’s reflections did not stop there. He also contrasted Mr. Bean with some of his other roles, including Blackadder. He characterized most of his characters as “deeply unpleasant,” stating, “Mr. Bean is a selfish, self-serving, anarchic child, while Blackadder is a sort of sarcastic and sardonic and basically negative force.”

Through these insights, Atkinson provides a unique perspective on his career and the characters that have defined it. His ability to dissect and critique Mr. Bean highlights not only the complexity of his performances but also the broader themes of childhood behavior and personal growth.

As the anticipation builds for Man vs Baby, Atkinson’s reflections on Mr. Bean serve as a reminder of the diverse range of roles he has embraced over the years. His honesty about the character’s flaws adds depth to the beloved figure, showcasing the actor’s remarkable ability to engage with his audience on a personal level.