The latest Shaun the Sheep film, directed by Steve Cox and Matthew Walker, has arrived in UK cinemas with a Halloween-themed storyline in which the character becomes a mad scientist to resolve a crisis.
Producers and filmmakers behind the project have commented on the ongoing role of traditional animation techniques within the industry. Producer Richard Beek stated that stop-motion films continue to be produced and recognized with major awards despite the expansion of AI and computer-generated imagery. He noted that while AI tools may eventually be incorporated into filmmaking processes, such technology would not supplant the fundamental creative work of developing and constructing narratives.
The film features voice performances from a range of entertainment figures, including Dani Dyer, Justin Fletcher, Nina Sosanya, Paul Whitehouse, and Roman Kemp, and includes a new arrangement of the franchise’s theme song by hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks. The character’s characteristic form of expression—through bleats, grunts, and facial movements rather than dialogue—remains a defining element of his appeal to audiences worldwide.
Aardman, the Bristol-based studio behind the production, marked its 50th anniversary this year following its establishment in 1976. The company has produced numerous acclaimed stop-motion works including Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run, and the Morph television series. Shaun initially appeared in the 1995 Wallace and Gromit film A Close Shave before becoming one of the studio’s most prominent characters. Art director Kitty Clay highlighted the handcrafted nature of the animation process, noting that many character models remain in use decades after their creation and incorporate found household items. The film will become available on Sky Cinema and NOW TV following its theatrical run.
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