Within the past two years, Aardman Productions has been hard at work on The Pokémon Company’s stop-motion project, Sirfetch’d & Pichu. The project’s latest update has the studio feature an animation test on social media on Aug. 28. Both Pokémon and Aardman fans watched the 20-second clip and are immediately receiving positive reception for the collaboration’s efforts. Here’s what’s to know about the production’s development so far.
The Pokémon Tales Series’ Production Progress
Back in 2024, Aardman announced on their official newsletter that they are working with Pokémon Company International for the franchise’s next animated project. Marketing and Media VP Taito Okiura commented that the opportunity is a dream partnership.
“Aardman are the masters of their craft, and we have been blown away by their talent and creativity. What we have been working on together ensures our global Pokémon fans are in for a treat!” he said confidently.
Aardman’s Managing Director Sean Clarke shared the excitement about the project as well. He added, “We feel sincerely privileged to be trusted with bringing their characters and world to life in a brand new way.”
Then, in the July 2025 update, Aardman features a short animated teaser for the first Pokemon Tales story, The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu. Viewers were very impressed by the Wallace & Gromit studio’s dedication to preserving the battle monsters’ iconic art style in claymation.
The footage shows Sirfetch’d and Pichu running back and forth behind Wooloo’s bricked fence. The round sheep was confused by their ruckus as they chased after troublesome Pokémon. They finish their work mainly with battle scars.
Sirfetch’d & Pichu to Release in 2027
On June 21, 2025, Aardman hosted its “Lights! Camera! Aardman!” panel at the Annecy Festival. Pokémon Company International Director of Original Animation Phil Rynda and Aardman Chief Creative Director Sarah Cox shared that Sirfetch’d & Pichu’s release year for 2027.
According to the producers, Sirfetch’d & Pichu will take place in the United Kingdom-inspired region, Galar. The setting is featured in the franchise’s Switch Title, Sword and Shield. They find it fitting, as Aardman’s animation studio is located in Bristol, England.
The following summary for Sirfetch’d & Pichu says, “An epic journey through the wilds of Galar. Our heroes embark on a gallant 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 step into the unknown. Peril, alliance, and rivalries, extraordinary Pokémon, and endless laughs awaits them.”
Series Director Tom Parkinson and his team have carefully handled the Game Freak IP with care. Both Rynda and Cox are very pleased with the behind-the-scenes development. “[Sirfetch’d & Pichu] give us a unique opportunity to tell the series from the Pokémon’s [perspective], made possible with Aardman’s extraordinary craft, remarkable artistry,” they said.
And the August 2026 animated sneak peek shows a dedication to respecting both the franchise and the iconic claymation style. The stop-motion is more polished than the Wooloo teaser. The animal behavior of Sirfetch’d and Pichu is natural to their video game counterpart.
Pichu’s little lightning streaks during its dashes are charming for its hyperactive behavior. Sirfetch’d replicates a soldier’s walk while holding its leek sword and shield. What really impressed the audience is capturing the essence ecosystem of Pokémon. Compared to previous Aardman films, the environments are more detailed, including textures, while keeping the whimsical aspect.
The vocal cast for Sirfetch’s & Pichu has not yet been revealed. Their voices will be different from their Japanese counterparts in the Pokémon anime series. The Pokémon Company has officially announced that the series will be streaming on Disney+. Until a definitive 2027 date is set, Pokémon fans are delighted to see what’s in store for Pokémon Tales.
