Rowan Atkinson says he dislikes 'Mr Bean'

Rowan Atkinson has offered an unexpectedly blunt take on his most famous creation and it may surprise lifelong Mr Bean fans.

Speaking at a London screening of his Netflix series Man Vs Baby, the 69-year-old actor said he has never viewed Mr Bean as a pleasant person.

“I dislike Mr Bean as a person, I certainly would never like to have dinner with him,” he said, according to The Independent.

Atkinson explained that he enjoys playing the role because it taps into a childlike version of himself, but admitted that Bean’s behaviour is far from charming in real life.

“He is possibly a bit like I was at age 10 - that sort of childish selfishness and working things out in a slightly eccentric way,” he said. “But I wouldn’t want him in my house.”

Mr Bean remains one of Britain’s biggest comedy exports. Since launching in 1990, the show has reached more than 190 countries. Its YouTube channel alone boasts 35 million subscribers and over 12 billion views.

Atkinson contrasted Bean’s chaos with Trevor Bingley, the well-meaning character he plays in Man Vs Baby, calling him “one of the nicest people I’ve ever played.”