Aardman Brings Claymation Charm to Pokémon in 2027 Series

Aardman Animations and The Pokémon Company have unveiled new details and the first official artwork for Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu, a stop-motion claymation series set for a 2027 release.

The announcement came during Aardman’s “Lights, Camera, Aardman!” panel at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

The series, a co-production between the Wallace & Gromit studio and The Pokémon Company, marks the first time the beloved British animation house has applied its signature hand-crafted style to the Pokémon universe.

Set in the Galar region — the setting for Pokémon Sword and Shield, which shares many geographical similarities with the real-world United Kingdom — the show follows the knightly Sirfetch’d and the electric-type Pichu as unlikely heroes on a grand adventure.

According to the official description shared at Annecy, the series is “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 step bravely into the unknown.

Peril, alliances and rivalries, extraordinary Pokémon, and endless laughs await them.”

Attendees were treated to footage from the pilot episode, as well as the first poster for the stop-motion series.

Shared Commitment to Craft and Storytelling

Phil Rynda, Director of Original Animation at The Pokémon Company International, praised the collaboration during the panel.

“It’s an honor to take part in Aardman’s panel at Annecy and talk about the shared commitment to quality, strong storytelling, memorable characters and a genuine respect for audiences and fans,” Rynda said.

“This project gives us a unique opportunity to tell stories from the point of view of Pokémon, made possible by Aardman’s extraordinary craft, remarkable artistry.

Their warmth, and affection for this much-loved Pokémon cast are evident in every brilliantly crafted frame.”

Sarah Cox, Chief Creative Director at Aardman, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the studio’s excitement about bringing its physical stop-frame technique to the franchise.

“Aardman are delighted to bring the vivid physicality of Stop Frame animation into the Pokémon world,” Cox said.

“Director Tom Parkinson and team have created a hand-crafted spin on the wonderful Pokémon we all know and love with comedic storytelling that celebrates the quirks, eccentricities and charms of our heroes as they explore Galar on a delightfully offbeat Quest.

Aardman and Pokémon share a strong commitment to creativity and talent on this shared quest of our own to bring joy to audiences across the world.”

A Natural Fit for British Humor and Heart

The pairing of Aardman’s signature claymation aesthetic with Pokémon’s sprawling universe feels particularly apt given the Galar region’s real-world inspiration.

The British setting allows the studio to infuse the series with the kind of dry wit and eccentric charm that has defined its work for decades, from the cheese-obsessed inventor Wallace to the resourceful sheep Shaun.

The choice of Sirfetch’d — a knightly, leek-wielding Pokémon that debuted in Sword and Shield — as a lead character underscores the series’ playful, chivalric tone, while Pichu provides an energetic foil.

With production underway and a 2027 release window locked, Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu promises to deliver a visually distinctive and narratively heartfelt addition to the Pokémon animated canon.

Aardman and The Pokémon Company have not yet announced a specific streaming or broadcast platform, but further details are expected as the project progresses.