Beloved British animated couple Wallace and Gromit are making their return with "Vengeance Most Fowl," their first feature-length film since 2005. The film will premiere on Christmas Day at 6:10 PM on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, and later be made available on Netflix starting January 3.
Directed by Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham, the highly-anticipated film dives back to the technological themes explored previously in the iconic short film "The Wrong Trousers," released back in 1993, but with contemporary touches acknowledging advancements like artificial intelligence. Park noted, "Wallace is completely deluded and obsessed, whereas Gromit provides the human touch." He elaborated how the film aims to question whether technology enhances or diminishes life and relationships.
The plot centers around Wallace’s latest invention: Norbot, an "intelligent" robotic gnome meant to assist around the house and garden. Unfortunately, Gromit, who prides himself on daily tasks, faces the reality of being overshadowed by Norbot. This culminates in growing tensions between Wallace’s enthusiasm for invention and Gromit’s comfort with their traditional way of life. Park remarked, "To add insult to injury, Wallace – with good intentions – invents a smart gnome, but everything goes wrong from there and the film explores how Gromit copes with this new favourite in the household.”
The film not only marks the return of Wallace and Gromit but also sees the return of Feathers McGraw, the villainous penguin last seen 20 years ago. Park explained, "It was like a lightning strike really, as people have been asking for a long time about when we’ll be bringing Feathers McGraw back, and until now we just never really found the right place for him – but this just felt like the perfect opportunity.” Feathers’ menacing presence is compellingly contrasted with Gromit’s silent yet expressive demeanor, showcasing how even the smallest movements can hold deep emotional significance.
Park and Crossingham have reiterated the commitment to traditional animation, emphasizing their use of stop-motion techniques. "Everything's made by real human beings and hopefully shines off the screen," Park stated. The project involves around 200 people, and at their most efficient, they manage to produce just two minutes of final footage per week. This painstaking process is part of what has endeared Wallace and Gromit to fans worldwide.
During the making of "Vengeance Most Fowl," the production stretched over about five years from concept to final cuts. Through several stages including writing, storyboarding, and production, the team dedicated their efforts to maintain the authentic essence of the kooky duo. Park highlighted the structure of their work, explaining, "With CGI, you might feel tempted to just use it to the full. I think if you don’t have those resources, it makes you more creative with what little you’ve got."
This film also introduces Ben Whitehead as the new voice of Wallace following the death of the beloved original actor Peter Sallis. Whitehead, who has served as Sallis’s understudy for years, described the pressure and excitement of stepping up to voice such an iconic character. He said, "There are always challenges to approach the character, especially with Peter’s legacy. But I wanted to try and take as much from what Peter brought to this character, along with my interpretations."
Notably, "Vengeance Most Fowl" will remind audiences of their enduring connection with Wallace and Gromit. Initially at film school, Park had created them with simple sketches, leading to what would become memorable animated shorts celebrated worldwide. Merlin Crossingham remarked on the timeless appeal of the characters and their dynamic, emphasizing their relatable personalities. "Wallace can be insensitive at times, and we love him because he’s flawed and we can relate to him," he said.
The film embraces the unique spirit of Christmas for its premiere on BBC, which Park believes is very fitting. “The BBC has been greatly supportive over the years and now Wallace & Gromit has become staple viewing, especially during the holidays,” he noted. The duo’s return is not just another film but part of long-standing traditions, eliciting nostalgia for audiences who have grown up with their comedic escapades.
With the upcoming release of "Vengeance Most Fowl," fans are excited to see how Wallace and Gromit navigate the intertwining themes of technology and relationships, along with the return of Feathers McGraw. This latest adventure promises to capture both the heartwarming humor and the moral undertones the franchise is known for, ensuring its place for many more Christmases to come.
