Wallace & Gromit are making their much-anticipated return with the new film 'Vengeance Most Fowl' airing this Christmas Day on BBC One. Created by the renowned Aardman Animations, this delightful stop-motion film brings back beloved characters and introduces new faces to the franchise.
The film features the return of comedian Peter Kay, who reprises his role as PC Mackintosh, now elevated to chief inspector. Nick Park, the mastermind behind Wallace and Gromit, expressed concern about securing Kay's participation due to his demanding tour schedule. "The big fear was we couldn’t get him because for as long as we’ve been filming, he’s been in the middle of a massive tour," Park shared with Metro. Thankfully, Kay's commitment to the project was reaffirmed when he expressed his enthusiasm for reprising his role.
Premiering on December 25, 2024, at 6:10 p.m. on BBC One, the film is set to enchant viewers once again as it follows the whimsical adventures of Wallace, the eccentric inventor who often finds himself entangled in delightfully precarious situations, with the assistance of his silent but loyal dog, Gromit.
"Returning to Wallace and Gromit is like meeting up with family friends," Park remarked, emphasizing the deep-rooted familiarity audiences have with these iconic figures. They are likened to "an old married couple" whose relationship blends humor and companionship, giving audiences something truly special and relatable.
Fans will recognize Feathers McGraw, the dastardly penguin and villainous antagonist who has resurfaced for revenge. Having first appeared in the 1993 short film The Wrong Trousers, Feathers became one of the series' most infamous characters, and his return has generated palpable excitement among fans. Co-director Merlin Crossingham remarked, "One of our most asked questions is, 'When will Feathers come back?' Well, now is the time, and he’s back with a vengeance."
Plot-wise, viewers can expect Wallace to create what he believes to be his finest invention yet—a ‘smart gnome’ named Norbot. This innovation, meant to assist Gromit with gardening chores, starts to interfere with Wallace's life, leading to chaos as Gromit realizes he must battle sinister forces to save his master. Numerous comedic moments will arise from Wallace's unwavering belief in his inventions, provoking Gromit's worry about Wallace's tendency to rely too heavily on them.
Park and Crossingham have made it clear they’re delighted to introduce Norbot, calling him the ultimate gnome: "We are delighted to introduce Norbot, […] the ultimate gnome – a ‘smart-gnome’,” which suggests audiences can expect plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments.
While the legendary Peter Sallis was the original voice of Wallace until 2017, Ben Whitehead has stepped up to fill the shoes of Wallace for this feature film. Whitehead began with the franchise years ago and took over after Sallis's passing. “The most exciting thing is when you see your first bit of animation, where they have started filming and put your voice to it,” Whitehead disclosed to Radio Times. “I was very nervous about doing this job. It was a big undertaking and you’re thinking, ‘God, am I doing it right?’” Despite initial nerves, Whitehead is embracing the opportunity to bring Wallace back to life.
On Christmas Day, viewers can catch ‘Vengeance Most Fowl’ on BBC One and then on Netflix on January 3, 2025, marking the first Wallace & Gromit film since A Matter of Loaf and Death premiered on December 25, 2008. The film’s team aims for both seasoned fans and newcomers to enjoy the film, with Crossingham mentioning, "I want this film to reach people who have never come across Wallace and Gromit before.”
Fans should prepare for laughter, nostalgia, and the charm of Wallace and Gromit as they reunite with these cherished characters. Christmas 2024 promises to be extra special as audiences around the world tune in to witness the return of the animated duo they're sure to love.
