Nobody saw this collaboration coming, and yet it is already shaping up to be one of the franchise’s most charming animation projects. The Pokémon Company International teams up with the legendary British studio Aardman Animations (famous for Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Chicken Run) to bring a brand-new stop-motion series to life: Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu.

Scheduled to air in 2027, this series promises to revisit the world of pocket monsters with the absurd humor, tenderness and unique handcrafted know-how of clay modeling (claymation).

An unlikely duo in the heart of the Galar wilds

For this very British collaboration, the choice of region naturally fell on Galar, the eighth-generation region directly inspired by the United Kingdom. In this green, rolling setting, we will follow the adventures of a decidedly atypical duo:

  • Sirfetch’d: A proud, noble and comically serious knight, armed with his inseparable giant leek.

  • Pichu: An adorable baby Pokémon, overflowing with electric energy that is as uncontrollable as it is chaotic.

The official synopsis:

“An epic journey across the wilds of Galar. Our heroes set off on a chivalrous quest to help and protect Pokémon across the region. Their missions rarely go as planned, but their noble deeds forge their friendship as they bravely venture into the unknown. Perils, alliances, rivalries, extraordinary Pokémon and guaranteed laughs.”

Unlike the franchise’s traditional animated series, Pokémon Tales will do away with human Trainers. The story will be experienced entirely from the point of view of the Pokémon themselves, emphasizing their personalities, their eccentricities and irresistible visual comedy.

Aardman’s “so British” humor in the spotlight

The first official teaser unveiled by the studios immediately sets the tone. It shows an unflappable Wooloo peacefully grazing on its grass in the foreground. Meanwhile, in the background, utter chaos unfolds: Sirfetch’d and Pichu run in all directions, setting off a series of slapstick disasters. The teaser ends with a baked apple mysteriously landing at Wooloo’s feet, which eats it without asking any questions.

This offbeat tone and focus on situational comedy immediately recall the golden age of Shaun the Sheep, brilliantly transposed into the world of Pokémon.

A prestigious creative team at the helm

To bring this ambitious project to life, the two giants have assembled a team of proven talents:

  • Direction: Tom Parkinson (Shaun the Sheep, Lloyd of the Flies).

  • Production and creative direction: Sarah Cox (Creative Director at Aardman) and Phil Rynda (Director of Original Animation at The Pokémon Company International).

  • Design: The famous video game designer James Turner (known for his work on the art direction of Pokémon Sword and Shield and the creation of iconic Pokémon such as Sinistea or Polteageist) also brings his visual touch to the project.

Unveiled in more detail at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the series is already shaping up to be a masterpiece of handcrafted animation that will delight both fans of clay modeling nostalgia and Trainers of all ages.

While we wait for its release, set for 2027, check out the first official teaser of this historic collaboration right away!