Aardman’s Wallace & Gromit is 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 of Wallace & Gromit‘s longest-running narrative traditions will end.

The Wallace & Gromit series began in 1989 with the 23-minute short film A 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. After A Grand Day Out was nominated for an Academy Award, the series continued with further Aardman shorts The Wrong Trousers and A Close Shave – both of which were also acclaimed. As the series continued with 2005’s The Curse of the Were-Rabbit and 2008’s A Matter of Loaf and Death, Wallace & Gromit retained all its core characteristics. However, with 2024’s Vengeance 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 that Wallace & Gromit would have to adapt to continue. However, while replacing Sallis with Ben Whitehead is already a major development for the series, Vengeance Most Fowl is pushing things even further by functioning as the first true sequel in the Wallis & Gromit series. The return of iconic villain Feathers McGraw from The Wrong Trousers instantly 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.

For all their critical success and combined legacy, part of what sets Wallis & Gromit apart 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 in A 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 for Vengeance Most Fowl‘s story.

What Vengeance Most Fowl’s Wrong Trousers Connection Means For The Story

The fact that Feathers McGraw has been chosen as the first villain to make repeat Wallis & Gromit appearances not only speaks volumes about the character’s enduring popularity, but also about what Vengeance 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.

Another hallmark of The Wrong Trousers was the heartbreaking way that Feathers’ machiavellian scheming forced a wedge between Wallace and Gromit. If Vengeance Most Fowl continues 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 the BBC synopsis. All this indicates that Vengeance Most Fowl will follow firmly in The Wrong Trousers‘ techno-powered footsteps.

New Wallace & Gromit Movie Could Be Part Of A Bigger Aardman Trend

The prospect of a proper Wallace & Gromit sequel is an exciting proposition for fans longing to revisit their favorite franchise characters. However, while this direction has major implications for Wallace & 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 classic Chicken Run, in conjunction with Netflix. Dawn of the Nugget brought back many iconic characters from the original – albeit with a largely different voice cast – and provided a clear indication that Aardman sequels are a distinct possibility.

While Dawn of the Nugget was a high-profile release, it wasn’t even the first Aardman sequel to be released. Somewhat surprisingly, given its spinoff status, the Shaun the Sheep series has expanded into a two-film franchise, as well as a long-running animated TV series. With Wallace & Gromit now joining other Aardman properties with an official sequel, all the indications suggest that this is the future for the vaunted production company.

Source: BBC