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The iconic duo of Wallace and Gromit are back into action in “Vengeance Most Fowl”, their first major adventure in over a decade. The new installment is especially poignant since this marks the first film made without Peter Sallis, who voiced Wallace originally and died in 2017 at 96 years. The distinctive Yorkshire tones of Sallis brought the cheese-loving, eccentric inventor that was Wallace to life, and his absence has been deeply felt.
Nick Park, who created the characters, said it was “emotionally tough” to carry on with the series without Sallis. He said he was “confident” in 47-year-old actor Ben Whitehead, who will provide Wallace’s voice. Whitehead, who worked with Sallis on 2005’s The Curse of the Were-Rabbit said he feels “enormous pressure” not to let his legacy down. He has spent hours perfecting Wallace’s mannerisms – to make sure his performance is convincing – including his drawn out vowels.
“Vengeance Most Fowl” introduces a clever but chaotic new invention: a pre-programmed, voice-controlled smart gnome named Norbot. Of course, it is a contraption of Wallace’s and, therefore, causes chaos. Also, fans will be satisfied to see the return of Feathers McGraw, the villainous penguin from the 1993 classic The Wrong Trousers. According to co-director Merlin Crossingham, his return has been one of the most requested moments over the years, making his appearance a nostalgic highlight.
The film will air on BBC One at 6:10 pm on Christmas Day and promises festive fun for the UK audience. For the rest of the world, Netflix will start streaming the film from January 3, 2025. This dual release ensures that their worldwide fanbase can enjoy their latest escapade.
Ever since their debut in 1989’s A Grand Day Out, the lovable couple Wallace and Gromit have captured hearts across all age groups with the warmth of their close friendship, ingenious and eccentric contraptions, and side-splitting mishaps. Nick Park spoke on the timelessness of the pairing: the relatable simplicity of their relationship-be it as best friends, man and dog, or partners in crime.
But while fans are excited for their return, Park and Crossingham were quick to remind audiences that stop-motion animation is a very labor-intensive process. “They take a while to make,” Crossingham said, teasing future adventures but asking for patience.
Vengeance Most Fowl” salutes the memory of Peter Sallis while setting the stage for the continuing adventures of Wallace and Gromit. Boasting a seamless performance from Ben Whitehead, this latest film from the duo blends the old with the new and bodes well for many future years.
