While Peter Rabbit famously got his start in books—specifically, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, a children’s-lit classic since it was published by British author BeatrixPotter in the early 1900s—he’s since made the hop to the big screen, becoming a bona fide “celebunny” in the process. OK, we’re done with the punnies (get it?). Here’s what you need to know about the Peter Rabbit franchise, including which movies Peter Rabbit stars in and how you can stream or rent them this Easter.
Who is Peter Rabbit?
Peter is known to be a mischievous youngster with a good heart. He lives with his mom, Old Mrs. Rabbit, and his sisters Cottontail, Flopsy and Mopsy. He and his family live near a vegetable garden tended to by an elderly Scotsman named Mr. McGregor. While Peter’s mom often warns her children not to enter the garden—claiming their father was captured there, put in a pie and eaten by Mr. and Mrs. McGregor—staying away proves hard for the ever-impulsive Peter.
Is Peter Rabbit based on a true story?
Sort of! Potter actually had a pet rabbit named Peter Piper who she once described as acting “like a cat. He was clever at learning tricks, he used to jump through a hoop, and ring a bell, and play the tambourine.” She also liked to take Peter for leashed walks and often spent time drawing him. He died right around the time The Tale of Peter Rabbit was first published.
Are Peter Rabbit and Peter Cottontail the same?
Yes. Soon after Potter started publishing her Peter Rabbit series, an American author named Thornton Burgess began writing his own books featuring animal characters, which he titled the Old Mother West Wind series. He also included a rabbit named Peter as an homage to Potter. Then in a later book, titled The Adventures of Peter Cottontail, Peter Rabbit decides to change his name.
Is Benjamin Bunny related to Peter Rabbit?
Yep, they’re cousins! Potter’s 1904 children’s book The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, which was another huge bestseller in its day, features Peter and Benjamin returning to Mr. McGregor’s garden.
Did Disney ever make a Peter Rabbit movie?
No, but WaltDisney sure did try! He was angling to make an animated feature film based on Potter’s famous character in the 1930s, but she refused to sign off on the project. Lucky for the rest of us, there are now plenty of places to see Peter Rabbit in action. Keep reading to find out where!
PeterRabbit (2018)
A combo of animation and live-action, this kids’ flick also combines elements of the original Peter Rabbit books with a new character called “Bea,” a matronly woman who looks out for Peter and his siblings (and who was based on Potter herself). There’s also a new storyline about the McGregor property, which finds Peter & Co. working surprisingly hard to save it.
PeterRabbit 2018 cast
James Corden as Peter Rabbit (voice) Rose Byrne as Bea Sam Neill as Mr. McGregor Domhnall Gleeson as Thomas McGregor Margot Robbie as Flopsy (voice) Elizabeth Debicki as Mopsy (voice) Daisy Ridley as Cottontail (voice) Colin Moody as Benjamin Buddy
Where to watch PeterRabbit (2018)
Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway (2021)
American fans of Peter Rabbit need to wait just a little bit longer to catch Peter on their screens again. This sequel to the 2018 flick is slated to debut in the U.S. July 2. (It already premiered in Australia and opens May 21 in the U.K.) According to Sony Pictures’ official website, here’s what the second movie is about: “Bea, Thomas, and the rabbits have created a makeshift family, but despite his best efforts, Peter can’t seem to shake his mischievous reputation. Adventuring out of the garden, Peter finds himself in a world where his mischief is appreciated, but when his family risks everything to come looking for him, Peter must figure out what kind of bunny he wants to be.”
Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway cast
James Corden as Peter Rabbit (voice) Rose Byrne as Bea Domhnall Gleeson as Thomas McGregor Margot Robbie as Flopsy (voice) Elizabeth Debicki as Mopsy (voice) Colin Moody as Benjamin Buddy Aimee Horne as Cottontail (voice) David Oyelowo as Nigel Basil-Jones
Where else can I watch Peter Rabbit?
A Peter Rabbit TV series that was jointly produced by Nickelodeon and the BBC from 2012 to 2016 still has loads of accessible episodes, which you can find on the Peter Rabbit YouTube channel. There’s even a one-hour Easter special available! For more retro entertainment, YouTube’s also got Here Comes Peter Cottontail in full. This animated, Easter-themed TV special from 1971 features Danny Kaye telling the story of Peter Cottontail; if you’re an Easter fan of a certain age, you might even recall the program’s title song. Looking for more holiday content. Watch Rugrats Passover!
