Fans of the beloved animated duo Wallace and Gromit have reason to celebrate this Christmas Day as the pair returns with their new special, titled Vengeance Most Fowl. The eagerly awaited feature airs at 6.10pm on December 25th on BBC One, promising viewers another delightful adventure filled with charm, humor, and heart.
This marks Wallace and Gromit’s first full-length film since 2005’s Curse of the Were-Rabbit. One of the driving forces behind their return, Nick Park, expressed his excitement about the film being part of the yearly holiday lineup, which has become somewhat of a tradition. “It’s incredible... regular fayre at Christmastime and holidays,” Park remarked to Big Issue, reflecting on the long history of the characters since their inception 35 years ago.
The new film follows Wallace, the hapless inventor, who creates a “smart gnome” named Norbot. Initially intended to assist Gromit with gardening tasks, the gnome quickly spirals out of control after being hacked. The plot thickens with the return of the notorious villain Feathers McGraw, who, after decades of scheming during his incarceration, sees this as the perfect opportunity to enact his revenge. This cunning character brings tension and excitement to the storyline, according to Park, who explained how Feathers unlocked the sinister element the story needed: “Feathers was a much later idea... he gave the film... real tension.”
The film weaves humor and adventure together as Gromit grows increasingly concerned about Wallace's overreliance on his inventions, highlighting the long-standing themes of technology's impact on human life and interactions. The tension between embracing technological advancements and cherishing traditional ways of doing things resonates throughout the narrative. “Thematically, the film is about... enjoying the process of gardening,” said co-director Merlin Crossingham, shedding light on the film’s central message about balancing convenience with meaningful experiences.
Wallace and Gromit are not just clay figures; they embody the craftsmanship of Aardman Animations, which continues to rely on the outdated yet timeless technique of stop-motion animation. This labor-intensive style gifts characters with individuality and emotional depth, engaging audiences of all ages. The people behind the scenes are particularly proud of their dedication to traditional craftsmanship. “At the heart of it is the craft and the people,” Crossingham noted, emphasizing the authenticity brought to the screen through their artistry.
The return of fan-favorite Feathers McGraw adds comedic villainy to the film, allowing audiences to revel in the character’s antics. “You’ve got to love to hate your villains. And Feathers is well-loved and well-hated,” Crossingham said, illustrating the dynamic between villain and hero. Park added, “The simplicity of Feathers makes him cinematic somehow,” underscoring the unique charm of Aardman’s character design philosophy, which often relies on minimal yet impactful expressions and movements.
Despite advancements and debates around digital imagery and artificial intelligence (AI), the team at Aardman has firmly held onto their traditional methods of animation. They utilize technology for visual enhancements but refrain from using AI for character creation. Park pointed out, “With clay, you restrict yourself. There’s something about the character animation...because it’s clay. We’re creating a massive villain; total freedom doesn’t help.”
After 20 long years of anticipation, fans need not wait as long for another adventure. The splendid return with Vengeance Most Fowl should fuel excitement and hope for future escapades featuring Wallace and Gromit. Although the film does not arrive on Netflix internationally until January 3, 2025, viewers can enjoy the delightfully entertaining narrative of Wallace and Gromit this Christmas without delay. The duo has proven to be timeless icons, continually generating joy and nostalgia, especially during the holidays.
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl will bring warmth to the holiday season on BBC One this Christmas at 6.10pm. With hints of adventure, laughter, and important messages about the balance of technology and human creativity, it promises to captivate audiences once more and reinforce why these characters are cherished staples of British culture.
