Wallace and Gromit Return in ‘Vengeance Most Fowl’ Available on Netflix Worldwide
Beloved British animated duo Wallace and Gromit are making a comeback in their first feature-length film in two decades with ‘Vengeance Most Fowl.’ This mad-cap adventure highlights the perils of technology falling into the wrong hands and is set to premiere on the BBC on Christmas Day before being released on Netflix globally on 3 January.
Renowned inventor and director Nick Park revisits the theme of technology, previously explored in his 1993 Oscar-winning film ‘The Wrong Trousers,’ but this time incorporating the concept of artificial intelligence (AI).
‘Vengeance Most Fowl’ Introduces Robotic Gnome Norbot
The storyline revolves around Wallace’s latest creation, an “intelligent” robotic gnome named Norbot, designed to assist with household chores and gardening tasks, potentially overshadowing Gromit’s traditional role. Park explains, “Wallace is completely deluded and obsessed, whereas Gromit represents the human touch. He enjoys gardening for the sake of doing it, not just for the end result.”
“I love the fact that we have technology. We have to just sometimes ask: Is it always enhancing our lives and our relationships, or is it somehow diminishing them in some way?”
‘Everything’s Made by Real Human Beings’
Park maintains a commitment to traditional craftsmanship in his filmmaking, opting for stop-motion animation over computer-generated imagery. The Aardman Animations studio, known for hits like ‘Chicken Run’ and ‘Shaun the Sheep,’ meticulously crafts each scene frame-by-frame using clay models, showcasing the artistry of real human hands behind the magic on screen.
Despite the challenges of stop-motion, Park believes that these limitations spark creativity and contribute to the unique charm of the Wallace and Gromit franchise. “With CGI, you are tempted to use everything at your disposal, whereas with stop-motion, you tend to be more creative with what little you’ve got,” he explains.
Feathers McGraw Returns in Action
The film sees the comeback of the villainous penguin Feathers McGraw from ‘The Wrong Trousers,’ known for his silent yet menacing presence on screen. While Feathers McGraw remains expressionless, Gromit’s iconic eyebrows convey a range of emotions, showcasing the power of subtle movements in animation.
Wallace’s New Voice
In a minor change, Wallace’s original voice actor, Peter Sallis, has been replaced by Ben Whitehead due to Sallis’s passing. Whitehead, an English voice artist, previously worked with Park on ‘The Curse of the Were-Rabbit’ and brings a fresh take to the beloved character.
Watch the ‘Vengeance Most Fowl’ Trailer
For a sneak peek at the whimsical world of Wallace and Gromit in ‘Vengeance Most Fowl,’ be sure to check out the official trailer. Get ready for a thrilling adventure filled with humor, heart, and the timeless charm of these iconic characters.
NOW READ: Burton outdoes himself with ‘Beetlejuice’ sequel
