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Wallace and Gromit Vengeance Most Fowl – Full Viewing Guide

James Harry Carter Sutton • 2026-05-23 • Reviewed by Sofia Lindberg

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, the sixth installment in the beloved stop-motion franchise, landed on screens in late 2024. Produced by Aardman Animations, the film marks the return of the diabolical penguin Feathers McGraw and introduces a troublesome new invention that forces Gromit into action. With a staggered release across the BBC in the United Kingdom and Netflix internationally, the film has reached a wide audience, but many details about its production and home-media availability remain scarce.

Directed by Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham, the feature runs 79 minutes and carries a PG rating. It is the second feature-length Wallace & Gromit film after The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005). The voice cast is led by Ben Whitehead, who takes over the role of Wallace following the death of original voice actor Peter Sallis in 2017.

The plot centers on a high-tech smart gnome invented by Wallace that develops a mind of its own. Gromit must step in when the invention goes rogue and Wallace is framed for a series of suspicious crimes, all while the cunning Feathers McGraw orchestrates events from behind the scenes.

When Is the Release Date and Where Can I Watch Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl?

Film Title
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
Studio
Aardman Animations
Release Year
2024
Platforms
BBC iPlayer (UK), Netflix (international)
  • Vengeance Most Fowl is the sixth Wallace & Gromit film and the first since 2008’s A Matter of Loaf and Death.
  • The film introduces a “smart gnome” invention that goes rogue, leading to Gromit’s heroic actions.
  • Feathers McGraw, the villainous penguin from The Wrong Trousers, returns after more than 30 years.
  • The film is made using traditional claymation (stop-motion) by Aardman, a technique known for its labor-intensive process.
  • Ben Whitehead voices Wallace in his first feature-length Wallace & Gromit film.
  • The film runs 79 minutes and received a PG rating.
  • Aardman stockpiled Newplast clay after its manufacturer, Newclay Products, closed in March 2023.
Fact Detail
Director Nick Park (co-director: Merlin Crossingham)
Producer Richard Beek
Running Time 79 minutes
Release Date (UK) 25 December 2024 (BBC One)
Release Date (Netflix) 3 January 2025 (international)
Voices Ben Whitehead (Wallace), Peter Kay (Chief Inspector Mackintosh), Lauren Patel, Reece Shearsmith, Diane Morgan, Adjoa Andoh, Lenny Henry

Release Date on BBC and Netflix

The film premiered at the American Film Institute (AFI) festival in Los Angeles on 27 October 2024. A limited theatrical release followed on 18 December 2024 in select markets. The United Kingdom broadcast premiere took place on Christmas Day 2024 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. International audiences gained access on 3 January 2025 via Netflix.

Is Vengeance Most Fowl Available on DVD?

A confirmed DVD or Blu-ray release date has not been announced by the BBC or Netflix. The initial distribution strategy centered on broadcast and streaming: BBC iPlayer in the UK and Netflix internationally. Any home-video release is expected to be announced later in 2025, but no official statement has been issued as of early 2025.

Where to Stream Vengeance Most Fowl

UK viewers can watch the film on BBC iPlayer. Viewers outside the UK can stream it on Netflix. The official trailer and promotional materials state it is “coming to Netflix January 3, 2025.”

Who Stars in Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Why Is the Penguin Feathers McGraw Back?

Voice Cast and Characters

Ben Whitehead voices Wallace, taking on the role for his first feature-length film in the franchise after the death of Peter Sallis. Peter Kay returns to the series as Chief Inspector Mackintosh, a character previously known as PC Mackintosh. The supporting cast includes Lauren Patel, Reece Shearsmith, Diane Morgan, Adjoa Andoh, and Lenny Henry. Detailed character descriptions for each supporting role have not been fully disclosed by Aardman.

Return of Feathers McGraw

Feathers McGraw, the silent penguin villain introduced in the 1993 short The Wrong Trousers, returns after an absence of more than 30 years. In this film, Feathers is revealed to be the mastermind behind the smart gnome’s rogue behavior, using the invention to frame Wallace for a series of crimes. His return connects the new story directly to one of the franchise’s most celebrated entries.

Gromit’s Role in the Story

Gromit takes center stage as the hero of the film. According to the Netflix synopsis, the “top dog springs into action to save his master.” The BBC One description notes that “it falls to Gromit to take on the dastardly Feathers McGraw once more.” The story emphasizes Gromit’s intelligence and resourcefulness as he uncovers the penguin’s scheme.

Voice Transition Note

Ben Whitehead had previously voiced Wallace in video games and short-form content. Vengeance Most Fowl marks his first feature-length performance as the character following the death of original voice actor Peter Sallis in 2017. Whitehead’s casting was confirmed by Aardman during the film’s production announcement.

What Is the Budget, Production Time, and Claymation Technique Behind Vengeance Most Fowl?

Estimated Budget of the Film

A precise production budget has not been publicly disclosed by Aardman, the BBC, or Netflix. Unlike many major studio films, no official figure has appeared in trade publications or corporate filings accessible in public sources. The film’s reported box office gross stands at around $191,452, a figure that reflects its limited theatrical rollout rather than a traditional wide release. For further context on Aardman’s production methods, see this explanation of the claymation process.

Budget Uncertainty

No reliable budget figure has been published by Aardman, BBC, or Netflix in the sources reviewed here. The $191,452 box office figure represents limited theatrical earnings and should not be used to estimate production costs. Readers should treat any unverified budget claims with caution until an official figure is released.

How Long Did Aardman Take to Make the Film?

An exact production timeline has not been formally disclosed by Aardman. The studio announced the film in 2023, and principal production likely took place over the following 18 to 24 months, consistent with the typical pace of stop-motion feature production. Without an official statement, however, the precise duration remains unconfirmed.

The Art of Claymation in Vengeance Most Fowl

The film is a classic Aardman stop-motion clay animation production. The studio used Lewis Newplast modeling clay, the same material employed in its earlier films. A significant production challenge arose when the clay’s manufacturer, Newclay Products, shut down in March 2023. Aardman reportedly purchased enough remaining stock to complete the film. This incident underscores the studio’s dependence on a single physical material and the fragility of the supply chain for traditional claymation.

Clay Supply Context

Newclay Products, the sole manufacturer of Lewis Newplast clay, closed in March 2023. Aardman acquired a stockpile of the material sufficient to finish Vengeance Most Fowl. The closure raised questions about future Aardman productions, though the studio has not announced any change in its claymation approach.

What Is the Timeline of Key Events for Vengeance Most Fowl?

  1. 2023 — Production announced by Aardman and the BBC.
  2. March 2023 — Newclay Products, maker of Lewis Newplast clay, shuts down. Aardman stockpiles remaining clay.
  3. 27 October 2024 — World premiere at the American Film Institute (AFI) festival in Los Angeles.
  4. 18 December 2024 — Limited theatrical release in select markets.
  5. 25 December 2024 — United Kingdom broadcast premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
  6. 3 January 2025 — International streaming release on Netflix.
  7. 2025 (expected) — DVD and Blu-ray release; details to be announced.

What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About the Film?

Established Information Information That Remains Unclear
The film is released on BBC and Netflix in late 2024 and early 2025. Exact budget figures have not been officially disclosed by Aardman.
The cast includes Ben Whitehead as Wallace and the return of Feathers McGraw. The exact production time has not been publicly detailed; typical Aardman films take several years, but no official statement has been issued as of early 2025.
The film is stop-motion claymation produced by Aardman Animations. DVD and Blu-ray release date is unconfirmed with no official announcement from the BBC or Netflix.

Why Does Vengeance Most Fowl Matter for Aardman and the Franchise?

The film marks the return of beloved characters Wallace, Gromit, and the villain Feathers McGraw after a long absence. It continues Aardman’s tradition of handcrafted claymation, a technique that demands immense time and artistry. While critics and audiences have responded positively, many viewers are seeking deeper production insights that are not yet widely available. For a broader look at the series, consult this complete guide to Wallace & Gromit films.

The dual-platform distribution model, with the BBC handling the UK premiere and Netflix distributing internationally, reflects Aardman’s evolving strategy for reaching audiences. The film serves as a holiday television special in Britain while functioning as a Netflix original-style release for global subscribers.

What Do Official Sources Say About the Film?

“Wallace invents a ‘smart gnome’ that has a mind of its own – or does it? It falls to Gromit to take on the dastardly Feathers McGraw once more.”

— BBC One description

“Top dog Gromit springs into action to save his master when Wallace’s high-tech invention goes rogue and he’s framed for a series of suspicious crimes.”

— Netflix synopsis

These official descriptions align on the core plot: a rogue invention, a framed inventor, and Gromit’s decisive intervention. The Wikipedia article provides additional production and release context, while the IMDb page lists the full cast and crew. Rotten Tomatoes aggregates critic and audience reviews.

What Is the Essential Guide to Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl?

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is a 79-minute Aardman stop-motion feature directed by Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham. It premiered on 27 October 2024, aired on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 25 December 2024, and streamed globally on Netflix from 3 January 2025. Ben Whitehead voices Wallace, with Peter Kay, Lauren Patel, Reece Shearsmith, Diane Morgan, Adjoa Andoh, and Lenny Henry among the cast. The film sees the return of Feathers McGraw and relies on traditional claymation techniques, using a stockpile of Newplast clay acquired before the supplier’s closure. DVD details and a confirmed budget have not yet been announced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl suitable for children?

The film is rated PG in the UK and carries a TV-Y7 rating on Netflix. It is family-friendly and appropriate for most children.

What does “Vengeance Most Fowl” mean?

The title is a pun on “vengeance most foul” and “fowl,” referring to the penguin Feathers McGraw.

Do I need to watch previous films first?

Not necessarily, but watching The Wrong Trousers (1993) provides useful background on Feathers McGraw and his history with Gromit.

Is there a trailer for Vengeance Most Fowl?

Yes, a trailer was released in 2024 and is available on YouTube and Netflix.

How long is the film?

The runtime is 79 minutes (1 hour 19 minutes), according to BBC listings and Rotten Tomatoes.

Who directed the film?

The film was co-directed by Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham. Nick Park co-created the Wallace & Gromit franchise.

What rating did the film receive?

The film received a PG rating from the British Board of Film Classification.

James Harry Carter Sutton

About the author

James Harry Carter Sutton

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.