An upcoming animated project centered around a cat and starring Benedict Cumberbatch has set a release date. Accordingly, fans finally know when they can see the standalone program.
Benedict Cumberbatch to reprise role in Christmas special about a tabby cat
Cumberbatch is returning to Judith Kerr’s Mog world via the animated Christmas special Mog’s Bad Thing, premiering on Channel 4 on December 25, 2026. The two-time Oscar nominee will reprise his voice role as Mr. Thomas from Mog’s Christmas. This was released on the streaming service on December 24, 2023.
Also returning from the previous special are Claire Foy as Mrs. Thomas, Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh as the narrator, Amelie Law as Debbie, and Teddy Skeleton as Nicky. New cast members include John Thomson as Mr. Bruce, Katherine Parkinson as Mrs Ramsbottom, Mawaan Rizwan as Ali, and Amelie Theodorou as Amy.
Robin Shaw, whose previous work includes The Tiger Who Came to Tea, directed Mog’s Bad Thing. Meanwhile, Joanna Harrison wrote the screenplay. Meanwhile, Ruth Fielding and Camilla Deakin produced through Lupus Films, known for Kensuke’s Kingdom and The Snowman and The Snowdog. Furthermore, Channel 4 interim head of drama, Gwawr Lloyd, commissioned the special.
Serious Kids is distributing for theatrical and TV worldwide. Details about theatrical distribution outside the United Kingdom are unknown as of writing and will be announced eventually.
“In Mog’s Bad Thing, Mog is the Thomas family tabby cat who always finds herself in big trouble,” the official synopsis reads. “The family are hosting a cat show in their garden which should be Mog’s chance to shine, but in all the excitement she does a ‘bad thing’ which means she hides in the attic feeling sorry for herself and misses the start of the show. Can Mog find a way to leave her hiding place, make her family proud and save the day?”
Judith Kerr’s Mog picture book series, which launched in 1970 with Mog the Forgetful Cat, has enjoyed considerable commercial success. Translated into 24 languages, it has sold over four million copies worldwide.
