Beloved British stop-motion studio Aardman, best known for Wallace and Gromit, is set to release a new installment in its equally delightful Shaun the Sheep franchise. Titled "Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom," the upcoming film ventures into decidedly spooky territory, embracing a Halloween theme. The movie is scheduled to arrive in theaters on September 18 in both the U.S. and the U.K.
The film sees the residents of Mossy Bottom Farm eagerly anticipating Halloween until the Farmer inadvertently destroys the Flock's prized pumpkin patch. In an attempt to rectify the situation, Shaun takes on the role of a mad scientist, a decision that quickly leads to escalating chaos. With the Farmer missing and a mysterious beast lurking in the surrounding woods, the stage is set for a "monstrously fun family adventure."
An exclusive image provided by Aardman offers a glimpse into Shaun's latest Halloween-themed escapade. In the image, Shaun appears to be holding a pumpkin seed, suggesting he may attempt to regrow the pumpkin patch in time for the holiday by employing unconventional, perhaps even nature-bending, methods. The narrative promises a playful exploration of what could go wrong when science is pushed to its limits for a seasonal celebration.
The Shaun the Sheep franchise originated as a spinoff from the Wallace & Gromit short film "A Close Shave" in 1995. The character, voiced by Justin Fletcher, later received his own series in 2007, which ran for seven seasons across the BBC and Netflix. "The Beast of Mossy Bottom" continues the film series for the character, with the possibility of an eighth season for the television show still on the horizon.