Summary
Aardman’sWallace & Gromitis a beloved archetype of British animation that has built an impressive legacy over three decades, but the franchise’s latest casting decision means a major break with tradition is on the way. Ever since 1989, eccentric inventor Wallace and his exasperated dog have provided award-winning entertainment across generations. Although the stories have arguably become more complex as the series has developed, many aspects – such as animation style, sense of humor, and production team – have remained incredibly consistent. In 2024, however, one ofWallace & Gromit’s longest-running narrative traditions will end.
TheWallace & Gromitseriesbegan in 1989 with the 23-minute short filmA Grand Day Out. Made for just £11,000 (around $44,000 in 2024), the movie saw the titular duo travel to the moon to try some cheese. AfterA Grand Day Outwas nominated for an Academy Award, the series continued withfurther Aardman shortsThe Wrong TrousersandA Close Shave– both of which were also acclaimed. As the series continued with 2005’sThe Curse of the Were-Rabbitand 2008’sA Matter of Loaf and Death,Wallace & Gromitretained all its core characteristics. However, with 2024’sVengeance Most Fowl, things are set to change forever.
Feathers McGraw’s Return Makes New Wallace & Gromit Movie The Franchise’s First Sequel
Following the tragic passing of original Wallace actor Peter Sallis in 2017 at the age of 96, it was inevitable thatWallace & Gromitwould have to adapt to continue. However, whilereplacing Sallis with Ben Whiteheadis already a major development for the series,Vengeance Most Fowlis pushing things even further by functioning asthe first true sequel in theWallis & Gromitseries. The return of iconic villain Feathers McGraw fromThe Wrong Trousersinstantly connects the new movie to the Academy Award-winning classic. While this is exciting for long-term fans, it is also a major departure from franchise tradition.
The fact that Feathers is coming back in a major capacity is a radical new approach from Aardman and has major implications forVengeance Most Fowl’s story.
For all their critical success and combined legacy, part of what setsWallis & Gromitapart as a series is that each entry acts as a standalone installment. Previously, and with the obvious exception of Wallis and Gromit themselves,the movies haven’t featured any returning characters and could be viewed in any order without risk of confusion. The only slight caveat is a brief guest appearance from Feathers McGraw himself inA Matter of Loaf and Death. The fact that Feathers is coming back in a major capacity is a radical new approach from Aardman and has major implications forVengeance Most Fowl’s story.
It’s Too Late For Another Wallace & Gromit Movie
While some British audiences may be nostalgic for the stop-animation duo, Wallace & Gromit don’t quite have the pop cultural prowess they once had.
What Vengeance Most Fowl’s Wrong Trousers Connection Means For The Story
The fact thatFeathers McGraw has been chosen as the first villainto make repeatWallis & Gromitappearances not only speaks volumes about the character’s enduring popularity, but also about whatVengeance Most Fowl’s wider narrative could involve. In his previous appearance,Feathers was content to use Wallace as a useful idiot while he carried out a daring diamond heist. However, given that Wallace and Gromit were directly responsible for his incarceration (and judging by the film’s title) it seems likely that whatever Feathers is now plotting will be all about revenge.
The Wrong Trousersis currently unavailable to stream in the US, as of writing.
Another hallmark ofThe Wrong Trouserswas the heartbreaking way that Feathers' machiavellian scheming forced a wedge between Wallace and Gromit. IfVengeance Most Fowlcontinues this theme, the movie could mean more trying times for the pair’s relationship.The original movie also featured a not-so-subtle warning about the dangers of technology. This motif looks set to continue with Feathers' latest plot involving a “‘smart gnome’ that seems to develop an evil mind of its own”, according to theBBCsynopsis. All this indicates thatVengeance Most Fowlwill follow firmly inThe Wrong Trousers' techno-powered footsteps.
New Wallace & Gromit Movie Could Be Part Of A Bigger Aardman Trend
The prospect of a properWallace & Gromitsequel is an exciting proposition for fans longing to revisit their favorite franchise characters. However, while this direction has major implications forWallace & Gromit, there’s a sense that it’s just part of a broader trend for Aardman. In 2023, the studio co-produced a sequel to their 2000 comedy classicChicken Run, in conjunction with Netflix.Dawn of the Nuggetbrought back many iconic characters from the original – albeit with a largely different voice cast – andprovided a clear indication that Aardman sequels are a distinct possibility.
WhileDawn of the Nuggetwas a high-profile release, it wasn’t even the first Aardman sequel to be released. Somewhat surprisingly, given its spinoff status, theShaun the Sheepseries has expanded into a two-film franchise, as well as a long-running animated TV series. WithWallace & Gromitnow joining other Aardman properties with an official sequel, all the indications suggest that this is the future for the vaunted production company.
