Disney and The Pokémon Company are expanding their partnership with a new stop-motion animated series, Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd & Pichu, set to debut on Disney XD and stream exclusively on Disney Plus in 2027. The announcement also revealed that the classic Pokémon the Series: The Beginning is now available on Disney Plus in the U.S. and select international regions.
This new series hails from Aardman Animations, the acclaimed studio behind Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run. The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd & Pichu will follow the titular Pokémon as they embark on a journey through the Galar region, the setting of Pokémon Sword and Shield. The official synopsis describes their quest: "Together, they set out on a gallant quest to help and protect Pokémon across the region. Their missions rarely go as planned, but their noble deeds forge their friendship as they step bravely into the unknown where peril, alliances, rivalries, extraordinary Pokémon, and endless laughs await them."
Aardman's collaboration with Pokémon was first announced in 2024, with Aardman's managing director Sean Clarke stating at the time that the partnership aims to bring "charming, original and new stories for audiences around the world" by combining Pokémon's global appeal with Aardman's dedication to craft and storytelling.
In addition to the new series, Disney Plus is now home to Pokémon the Series: The Beginning. Later seasons of the Pokémon anime, including Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon and its follow-ups, are available on Hulu.
Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids & Family, highlighted the significance of Pokémon's enduring relevance and expressed enthusiasm for the new series, stating, "This new series ‘Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd & Pichu’ brings Aardman’s signature stop-motion artistry with a bold, playful new perspective to this beloved world, giving audiences a fresh way to experience the characters they know and love." Phil Rynda, director of original animation at Pokémon, added that Aardman has "brought Galar to life in a way that makes you feel like you can smell the air, touch the tree bark, and want to adventure alongside our series heroes."