Wallace & Gromit: The Claymation Icons Return!
Aardman Animations, the beloved British studio behind Wallace & Gromit, is gearing up for their latest feature, Vengeance Most Fowl, slated for release this Christmas on BBC platforms in the UK and globally on Netflix in early 2025. This new adventure rekindles the magic of Nick Park’s claymation duo, reuniting fans with Wallace, Gromit, and the iconic villain Feathers McGraw. It also marks a momentous milestone: the final full-stop claymation feature from Aardman Animations, as the studio shifts focus toward other media formats.
A Little History
The world was first introduced to Wallace & Gromit in A Grand Day Out (1989), created by Nick Park as part of his graduation project. This quirky inventor and his loyal, silently expressive dog quickly became icons of British humor and charm. Over the years, they starred in critically acclaimed shorts such as The Wrong Trousers (1993) and A Close Shave (1995), as well as the feature-length The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005), which won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Wallace’s love for cheese and hapless inventions and Gromit’s unflinching loyalty have won fans worldwide. Beyond the films, the pair has been featured in spin-off series, merchandising, and even their own attractions.
What’s New in Vengeance Most Fowl?
In their latest escapade, Wallace and Gromit face accusations of a crime spree targeting local gardeners. At the heart of the mystery is Wallace’s newest invention—a “smart” garden gnome named Norbot. Meanwhile, Feathers McGraw, last seen in The Wrong Trousers, makes a dramatic return. With Nick Park directing alongside Merlin Crossingham, fans can expect the meticulous stop-motion animation and gentle humor the series is known for.
Behind the Scenes: Aardman’s Claymation Legacy
Crafting a Wallace & Gromit film is no small feat. Claymation involves painstakingly manipulating models frame by frame, a process that takes years to complete. Aardman has long been synonymous with this art form, perfecting it through iconic works like Chicken Run and Shaun the Sheep. Vengeance Most Fowl represents the culmination of this legacy, marking the end of an era as Aardman explores new methods, such as digital and hybrid animation.
Little-Known Facts
- Wallace’s voice actor, Peter Sallis, improvised many iconic lines in the early films.
- Each Gromit puppet requires hundreds of replacement “snouts” to animate his expressions.
- Feathers McGraw’s character was inspired by Hitchcock-style suspense films, blending menace with absurdity.
VHS Collectors Rejoice!
If you’re a fan of vintage media, this is your chance to relive the magic of Wallace & Gromit in their original form. At Golden Class Movies, we offer a curated collection of classic Wallace & Gromit titles on VHS —perfect for collectors or anyone nostalgic for the golden age of stop-motion animation.
Join the Excitement!
Celebrate the return of these claymation legends and relive their timeless adventures. Whether you’re watching Vengeance Most Fowl this holiday season or diving into vintage collectibles, Wallace and Gromit remain as delightful and heartwarming as ever. Visit our shop to discover exclusive VHS editions and bring home a piece of animation history!
