Aardman animates Pokémon
Aardman Teams with Pokémon for New Sirfetch’d & Pichu Stop-Motion Series in 2027
Key Points
Phil Rynda said the series will tell stories “from the point of view of Pokémon,” describing how Aardman’s “extraordinary craft” and “warmth, and affection” will be “evident in every brilliantly crafted frame.”
Sarah Cox highlighted the production approach, saying Aardman is “delighted to bring the vivid physicality of Stop Frame animation into the Pokémon world,” with Director Tom Parkinson and his team creating a “hand-crafted” version of familiar Pokémon characters for comedic storytelling.
The official synopsis expands beyond the “help and protect” premise, framing the show as “an epic journey through the wilds of Galar” in which “peril, alliances, rivalries, extraordinary Pokémon, and endless laughs await them,” and noting that “their noble deeds forge their friendship.”
While the collaboration’s “British sense of humor” was previewed, the Pokémon press materials also positioned Aardman as sharing a “shared commitment to quality, strong storytelling, memorable characters and a genuine respect for audiences and fans.”
The Pokémon Company International and Aardman Animations revealed the first real look at their 2027 stop-motion series, *Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd & Pichu*, at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 21, 2026. Variety reported the reveal came during Aardman's "Lights, Camera, Aardman!" panel, where the studios shared never-before-seen pilot footage and behind-the-scenes production materials.
The series is set in the Galar region — a fictional world inspired by the United Kingdom — and follows Sirfetch'd and Pichu on a quest to help and protect Pokémon. Their missions rarely go as planned. A 2027 release window is confirmed, though no exact date or streaming platform has been announced.
Aardman Brings Hand-Crafted Clay to the Pokémon World
Aardman Chief Creative Director Sarah Cox said the studio is "delighted to bring the vivid physicality of Stop Frame animation into the Pokémon world." She described the show as a "hand-crafted spin on familiar Pokémon" that celebrates their "quirks, eccentricities, and charms." Director Tom Parkinson, known for *Shaun the Sheep: Adventures from Mossy Bottom*, leads the creative team. Cartoon Brew noted his focus on a comedic, "offbeat" tone throughout the series.
Director of Photography Laura Howie, a veteran of *Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio*, is handling the lighting and cinematic style. Producer Zoe Verrier-Stunt manages day-to-day work at Aardman's Bristol-based studios. Variety noted that Aardman marked its 50th anniversary this year, making this one of its biggest IP collaborations to date.
Stories Told from a Pokémon's Point of View
Phil Rynda, Director of Original Animation at The Pokémon Company International, described the show's unique lens. He said the project gives the team "a unique opportunity to tell stories from the point of view of Pokémon." He added that Aardman's "warmth and affection" for the Pokémon cast are "evident in every brilliantly crafted frame," according to Cartoon Brew.
The official synopsis frames the show as "an epic journey through the wilds of Galar" where "peril, alliances, rivalries, extraordinary Pokémon, and endless laughs await." It also states that "their noble deeds forge their friendship." Final Weapon reported the full synopsis alongside new key art released at the festival.
British Humor and Galar Make a Natural Fit
Aardman's "distinctly British sense of humor" was a recurring theme at the panel. Galar — first introduced in the 2019 games *Pokémon Sword* and *Pokémon Shield* — draws heavily from UK geography, with castles, rolling hills, and cultural motifs. Bleeding Cool noted this makes Aardman, the studio behind *Wallace & Gromit*, a natural creative match for the setting.
TPCI's press materials framed the partnership as built on a "shared commitment to quality, strong storytelling, memorable characters, and a genuine respect for audiences and fans." Fan reaction since the July 2025 teaser trailer has been strongly positive. Many fans online compared the style to the "silent comedy" of *Shaun the Sheep*, according to Cartoon Brew.
A 2027 Release Anchors a Big Year for Pokémon
The Aardman series is part of the broader *Pokémon Tales* sub-brand, which houses experimental animation styles. It follows *Pokémon Concierge* (2023), a stop-motion series by Dwarf Studios that won critical praise. Bleeding Cool noted the 2027 release aligns with the planned launch of *Pokémon Winds* and *Pokémon Waves* for Nintendo Switch 2, announced on Pokémon Day in February 2026.
No episode count has been confirmed. Typical Aardman series run around 20 episodes at roughly 7 minutes each. An exact premiere date and international distribution details were not announced at Annecy. Variety reported no streaming platform has been officially named.
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