Showbiz News
-
-
-
Loading
Loading
The nation’s favourite saggy old cloth cat is waking up once again. It has been confirmed that Bagpuss will return in a brand-new live action film, 50 years after the beloved pink-and-white striped character first appeared on TV.
The original series, which debuted in 1974, consisted of just 13 episodes, yet went on to become one of the most iconic and cherished children’s programmes of all time. Despite its short run, Bagpuss has remained a firm favourite across generations, even being voted the nation’s favourite children’s show in polls decades later.
Now, half a century after it first aired, the saggy old cat is preparing for his biggest adventure yet on the silver screen. The new movie is set for release in 2027 and will act as a sequel to the original series, promising to bring Bagpuss and his enchanting world to life in a whole new way.
Michael Ford, chief executive of Threewise Entertainment, shared his excitement over the project, saying: “Bagpuss was a ‘saggy old cloth’ with many a tall tale to tell of grand adventures past, and we’re very proud and excited to be bringing this iconic character back to life with the blessing of both the original creators’ estates. This family movie will aim to rouse the sleepy old cat from his slumber and reunite him with his spirit of adventure for a fun and heartfelt quest that will delight fans old and new.”
The original show was the brainchild of Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate, who together created some of the most treasured children’s programming of the era, including The Clangers and Ivor the Engine. Bagpuss starred Firmin’s young daughter Emily as the little girl who owned the shop where broken or lost items were left. Each episode saw Bagpuss and his friends, including Professor Yaffle, Madeleine the rag doll, and the mice on the mouse organ, magically bring these forgotten treasures back to life through storytelling and song.
Emily with Bagpuss in 1974 - Credit: Rex
The announcement of a live action adaptation has already sparked huge excitement among nostalgic fans who grew up with the saggy old cloth cat. Many are eager to see how filmmakers will reimagine the whimsical charm of the series while staying true to its gentle, timeless storytelling.
While details of the cast and creative team are still under wraps, the film is being billed as a family-friendly adventure designed to appeal not only to those who remember watching Bagpuss in the 1970s, but also to today’s children discovering the character for the first time.
As the sleepy old cat stretches his paws for a return to the spotlight, one thing is certain, Bagpuss remains as treasured today as he was five decades ago. Fans old and new can look forward to seeing him come to life once more when the film arrives in cinemas in 2027.
