Rowan Atkinson has voiced a critical perspective on his iconic character, Mr. Bean. At a recent screening for his Netflix series, *Man Vs Baby*, Atkinson referred to Mr. Bean as a “selfish, self-serving, anarchic child.” This sentiment highlights the complex nature of a character who has become a beloved figure globally, despite Atkinson’s reservations.
Rowan Atkinson’s True Feelings About Mr. Bean
Atkinson explicitly stated, “I dislike Mr. Bean as a person, I certainly would never like to have dinner with him.” He acknowledges a connection to Mr. Bean’s personality, noting, “he is possibly a bit like I was at age 10.” However, he emphasized that he would not want the character as a guest in his home.
Mr. Bean’s Global Impact
Since its debut in 1990, Mr. Bean has evolved into one of the UK’s most successful comedy exports. The character has reached audiences in over 190 countries, with a substantial online presence:
- 35 million subscribers on YouTube
- More than 12 billion views on the platform
Contrast with Other Roles
While Atkinson appreciates the quirky charm of Mr. Bean, he contrasts this with another character from *Man Vs Baby*, Trevor Bingley. He describes Bingley as “one of the nicest people I’ve ever played,” showcasing a stark difference between Bingley and characters like Mr. Bean or Blackadder, whom he describes as more cynical and unpleasant.
No Plans for Season 3 of *Man Vs…*
As for future projects, Atkinson does not have plans for a third season of *Man Vs…*. He stressed the importance of viewer numbers over critical acclaim. “I haven’t read a review or critique of anything I’ve done since the 20th century,” he shared, indicating that audience enjoyment is his primary focus. “That’s the litmus test, and the sign of success, to me.”
Conclusion
Rowan Atkinson’s candid remarks about Mr. Bean reveal a multifaceted relationship between an actor and his character. While Mr. Bean delights millions, Atkinson’s critique shines light on the complexity of identity in comedy.
