Aardman confirms the return of Wallace & Gromit, and reveals more details of its Chicken Run sequel as well.
Earlier this week, the brilliant British animation company Aardman was reported to be jumping back into the world of videogames, cooking up what’s described as an open world game based on its own new, original intellectual property. Intriguing, not least given Aardman’s proven charm in bringing its hand-crafted feel to its digital projects too.
However, the even bigger news was just a day away, as the Bristol-based company has now revealed details of its next two filmed projects.
One we already knew about, at least in part. It was reported for the first time a year or two back that it was working on a sequel to its most successful movie, 2000’s Chicken Run. Furthermore, that it was extended its deal with Netflix – for whom it made last year’s short Robin Robin – to cover the bill.
Now we learn that the new film is called Chicken Run: Dawn Of The Nugget, and that it’s going to be released in 2023. Sam Fell is directing, and amongst the ensemble cast this time around are Thandiwe Newton, Nick Mohammed and Zachary Levi.
Then, in much-welcomed news, we’re also getting the return of Wallace & Gromit, in a thus-far untitled new adventure. This is likely – but not confirmed – to be a new short film for the plasticine duo, and Nick Park is directing it alongside Merlin Crossingham.
This is a shared project between the BBC – that originally backed Aardman – and Netflix. As such, in the UK, it’ll debut on BBC One at Christmas 2024, with Netflix having rights everywhere else in the world. Furthermore, once the BBC has debuted the film in the UK, it’ll then also be on Netflix here too.
The synopsis for the film has been released too, reading: “the film sees Gromit becoming concerned that Wallace is a little too dependent on his inventions. When Wallace’s “Smart Gnome” develops a mind of its own, it falls to Gromit to battle sinister forces and save his master…or Wallace may never be able to invent again!”
All of the projects are being developed at Aardman’s base in the UK, and more news is expected in due course.
