Wallace & Gromit are making their long-awaited return to the small screen with their new adventure titled Vengeance Most Fowl. This highly anticipated film is set to premiere on Christmas Day, December 25, at 6.10 PM on BBC One, providing families with the perfect holiday treat. To add to the excitement, the film will be available for streaming on Netflix starting January 3, 2025, reaching audiences across the globe.
The film marks the return of the beloved cheese-loving inventor Wallace and his loyal canine companion Gromit after 16 years. This time, they face the challenges posed by Wallace's latest creation—a "smart gnome" named Norbot, which does not behave as intended. On top of this mischievous gnome, their nefarious nemesis, Feathers McGraw, who was last seen behind bars, is bent on revenge against the duo.
Directors Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham have been excited about this project, emphasizing its focus on the relationship between Wallace and Gromit, particularly how technology can complicate their bond. Nick Park highlighted this theme by stating, "Wallace is still an inventor, of course, but...everything goes wrong from there and the film explores how Gromit copes with this new favourite in the household." This sentiment was echoed by Merlin Crossingham, who mentioned, "It also explores how technology...can sometimes become a wedge between Wallace and Gromit."
The film showcases not only the fun and humor typical of Wallace & Gromit but also reflects contemporary issues around technology and companionship.
Ben Whitehead reprises his role as Wallace, alongside Peter Kay returning as Chief Inspector (formerly PC) Mackintosh. New voice actors include the talented Reece Shearsmith, who lends his vocal talents to Norbot, and Lauren Patel, recognized from Everybody's Talking About Jamie, who voices PC Mukherjee. Also featured are Diane Morgan as a TV reporter, Adjoa Andoh from Bridgerton, Lenny Henry of The Rings of Power, and Muzz Khan, known for Brassic. This stellar cast promises to bring the characters to life, captivating both young viewers and nostalgic fans of the original series.
The storyline is clever and engaging. With Gromit increasingly concerned about Wallace's reliance on his inventions, the film asks the audience to reflect on the role of technology and its impact on relationships. The official synopsis notes, "The eagerly-awaited feature-length film...promises to be both humorous and poignant, exploring how Gromit's growing concern as Wallace becomes over-dependent on his inventions—proving justified when Wallace creates a 'smart gnome'—that seems to develop an evil mind of its own. "
Following its premiere on BBC One, the film will be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, ensuring audiences can access it easily. This initiative aligns with the growing trend of media consumption, allowing viewers to enjoy the show whenever they wish. For audiences outside the UK, the January release on Netflix offers the chance to experience this delightful film without delay.
This festive movie is expected to be one of the highlights of the holiday programming. The excitement is palpable among fans young and old, with many eager to see how their favorite characters evolve, especially considering the nostalgic pull of the franchise built over the years on humor and heart.
The inclusion of Feathers McGraw adds another layer of intrigue and excitement. Fans fondly recall the penguin's villainous charm from previous installments, and Park’s comment about his return as being "the perfect opportunity" to solve existing story problems certainly raises expectations.
Vengeance Most Fowl is not just another episode for Wallace and Gromit; it's portrayed as bringing the essence of what makes these characters beloved to the forefront of modern storytelling. With classic themes interwoven with contemporary issues surrounding technology's role and invention's impact on personal relationships, the film promises to resonate with audiences.
With great anticipation surrounding its release, the film is set to deliver both laughter and reflection, reaffirming the timeless charm of Wallace and Gromit—and perhaps paving the way for new adventures to come.
