Wallace & Gromit are set to make an emotional comeback in their new feature film, “Vengeance Most Fowl.” Executive producer Carla Shelley, along with co-directors Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham, shared some insights into the film at Deadline’s Contenders London event.
The story revolves around Wallace’s invention of a smart gnome named Norbot, who causes chaos and puts his friendship with Gromit to the test. Park highlighted how Wallace’s obsession with gadgets reflects society’s current love affair with technology and its impact on relationships.
Moreover, the return of the villainous penguin, Feathers McGraw, adds a sinister twist to the plot. Park explained that bringing back Feathers McGraw was a breakthrough moment for the team, as it added depth to the storyline.
Despite advancements in animation techniques, the production team stayed true to the stop motion roots of the original film. Crossingham emphasized the importance of maintaining the traditional stop motion process while incorporating modern visual effects to enhance certain scenes.
Additionally, subtle technological improvements in the materials and mechanics of the puppets have allowed for more realistic movements and finer details in the characters.
The film is set to premiere on the BBC in the UK and Netflix worldwide this winter, marking Wallace & Gromit’s second feature film in nearly two decades. Fans can expect a mix of emotions, laughter, and nostalgia as the beloved characters make their highly-anticipated return to the big screen.