The Pokémon Company has revealed new details for its upcoming stop-motion animated series, Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd & Pichu, a collaboration with acclaimed British studio Aardman Animations, renowned for Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep. The series is slated for release in 2027.
First footage and production materials were showcased at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival during Aardman's "Lights, Camera, Aardman!" panel. It was confirmed that the series will be set in the Galar region, the home of the avian Pokémon Sirfetch'd, which debuted in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. The Galar region was chosen for its geographical similarities to the United Kingdom, making it a "fitting backdrop" for the British studio's production.
The series aims to incorporate the distinctive humor characteristic of Aardman's other works. Sarah Cox, chief creative director at Aardman, stated that the studio is "delighted to bring the vivid physicality of stop frame animation into the Pokémon world." She added that director Tom Parkinson and the team have crafted a "a hand-crafted spin" on the Pokémon characters, with comedic storytelling that highlights their "quirks, eccentricities and charms" as they embark on an "offbeat quest" in Galar.
Phil Rynda, director of original animation at The Pokémon Company International, commented on the project's unique perspective. "This project gives us a unique opportunity to tell stories from the point of view of Pokémon, made possible by Aardman's extraordinary craft, remarkable artistry," Rynda said. He noted that the studio's "warmth, and affection" for the Pokémon cast are evident in the animation.
While footage shared at Annecy has not yet been publicly released, The Pokémon Company released a teaser for the show last year, and more details are anticipated soon.