Netflix has released the official trailer for the upcoming comedy series Man Vs Bee. Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean, Johnny English) stars in Man Vs Bee as a housesitter whose rivalry with a bumblebee results in all-out chaos. Atkinson has also created the nine-episode series alongside Will Davies. Man Vs Bee is due out on Netflix on June 24, 2022. You can check out the trailer below.
The trailer opens with Rowan Atkinson’s character, Trevor, standing trial for a slew of crimes ranging from dangerous driving, arson, and destruction of property. "You see, there was this bee," he says in his defense. We soon get a glimpse of the preceding events that saw Trevor take up a housesitting job in a luxurious mansion, only for matters to take a turn for the worse when a relentless bee invades his privacy. Trevor takes every measure to get rid of the bee, but the buzzing beast from hell just won’t give up. What follows is a delightful mix of mayhem and Atkinson’s signature slapstick.
The official plot synopsis for Man Vs Bee reads:
"When lovable, but bumbling, dad Trevor lands a new job as a housesitter, his first assignment is a luxurious mansion filled with priceless artwork, classic cars and an adorable dog called Cupcake. But when a bee lands on the scene, can Trevor keep everything under control, or will their raucous rivalry just lead to increasingly disastrous consequences? And what irreparable damage will be done in the process? See the chaos unfold in this watch-together zippy comedy series of short-sized episodes."
Man Vs Bee is written and directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker David Kerr (Johnny English Strikes Again, Inside No.9, Fresh Meat). While most of the series highlights the back and forth between Atkinson and the buzzing pest, Man Vs Bee also stars Tom Basden, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Jing Lusi, Claudie Blakley, Greg McHugh, India Fowler, and Daniel Fearn.
Man Vs Bee consists of nine episodes, each clocking anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes. Short and silly, Man Vs Bee promises plenty of laughs for all age groups to enjoy. Critics may not like Atkinson’s work, but time and again, he’s proven that his brand of comedy will always be appreciated by the audience. And it’s evident from the success of the Johnny English series, which has grossed almost half a billion dollars worldwide.
Man Vs Bee streams only on Netflix from June 24.
Man Vs Bee Marks Rowan Atkinson’s Return to Physical Comedy After Previously Saying He Disliked Doing It
Rowan Atkinson raised eyebrows last January when he said that he doesn’t like playing Mr. Bean due to the physical stress it puts on him. While Mr. Bean and Rowan Atkinson are synonymous with each other, the British actor hopes fans have moved on from the character because he certainly has. In a chat with Radio Times, Atkinson said:
"It’s easier for me to perform the character vocally than visually. I don’t much enjoy playing him. The weight of responsibility is not pleasant. I find it stressful and exhausting and I look forward to the end of it."
Atkinson has displayed his serious acting chops as well in shows like ITV’s Maigret, but he returns to make viewers laugh every once in a while, with films like Johnny English and now Man Vs Bee.
Atkinson will next appear in Wonka, alongside Sally Hawkins, Olivia Colman, Keegan-Michael Key, and Timothee Chalamet as the titular Charlie and the Chocolate Factory character. Wonka is directed by Paul King (Paddington) and will premiere on December 15, 2023.