Bean Micawber

Peter Howitt appears to have finally scored the financing for his adpatation of David Copperfield. Shooting will likely take place next year, with Rowan Atkinson in the role of Mr. Micawber.

Howitt originally pursued Atkinson for the part some years back, and that's how they came to make Johnny English together. That time, the cash didn't come through but this time, apparently, it has, to the tune of 15 million quid.

Atkinson as Micawber strikes me as very good casting. Howitt's credentials as a director, however... I'm not so sure. He has also co-written the screenplay.

This new adaptation will apparently not shy away from the issue of child abuse.