Everybody’s favourite cat returns to Channel 4 as Lupus Films starts production on Mog’s Bad Thing

Following the success of BAFTA-nominated, hand-drawn animated adaptation of Judith Kerr’s classic picture book Mog’s Christmas (HarperCollins Children’s Books), Channel 4 has commissioned a seasonal special based on Kerr’s picture book Mog’s Bad Thing. 

Produced by Ruth Fielding and Camilla Deakin for Lupus Films (Kensuke’s Kingdom, The Snowman and The Snowdog, The Tiger Who Came to Tea), written by Joanna Harrison (We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Mog’s Christmas) and directed by Robin Shaw (The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Mog’s Christmas, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt) Mog’s Bad Thing is a warm-hearted and hilarious adventure from Kerr’s Mog series of picture books about her lovable family cat, which have sold over 4 million copies worldwide. 

In Mog’s Bad Thing, Mog is the Thomas family tabby cat who always finds herself in big trouble. 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?

Lupus Films, which is renowned for its beautifully hand-crafted animated adaptations of literary classics, has also announced that it has appointed London-based Serious Kids as the worldwide distributor for theatrical and TV, outside of the UK. 

The new film will have a theatrical premiere in the UK before Channel 4’s TV premiere at Christmas 2026 and will be paired with Mog’s Christmas in an exclusive deal done with a UK theatrical distributor (to be announced).

Gwawr Lloyd, Interim Head of Drama said, “We’re delighted to bring Mog back in another beautifully crafted adaptation from Lupus Films. Judith Kerr’s stories continue to resonate with audiences of all ages, and Mog’s Bad Thing captures the warmth, humour and gentle mischief that makes Mog so beloved. Following the success of Mog’s Christmas on Channel 4, we’re excited to be working with such an exceptional creative team again to deliver another festive treat for families to enjoy together.”

Ruth Fielding, co-founder and joint Managing Director, Lupus Films said, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring Mog’s funny feline adventures to the big and small screen once more. Following the success of our previous collaborations with Serious Kids on seasonal specials The Ghastly Ghoul and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, we know that Mog’s Bad Thing is in safe hands and we hope that Mipcom will result in a host of key pre-sales.”

Created by author/illustrator Judith Kerr and based on the antics of her first family cat, the Mog series of books started with Mog the Forgetful Cat, which was first published in 1970 by HarperCollins Children’s Books and has never been out of print. Mog’s warm-hearted and funny adventures went on to inspire a further 17 picture books in the series, selling over four million copies worldwide and translated into 21 languages.

First transmitted on Channel 4 in the UK at Christmas 2023, Mog’s Christmas was directed by Robin Shaw and written by Joanna Harrison.  Its starry voice cast including Adjoa Andoh, Claire Foy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Miriam Margolyes, Maggie Steed, Zawe Ashton, Charlie Higson and Gareth Berliner.  The film picked up a British Animation Award for Best Long Form Film and was nominated for the Best Short Film Award at the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2025.