The beloved duo return this Christmas with a new invention, Norbert, and faces off against the notorious villain, feathers McGraw, in an exciting new film.

In the latest adventure from Wallace and Gromit, the dynamic duo is set to face yet another quirky challenge. The BBC has officially revealed the introduction of a new character, Norbot, a robotic smart gnome created by the eccentric inventor Wallace. This new edition promises to bring chaos and humour to their already wacky world. The much-anticipated film, titled Vengeance Most Fowl, will premiere this Christmas, bringing Wallace, Gromit, and their fans back together for a holiday adventure filled with laughs, tension, and clever inventions.

Wallace, the inventor whose curious creations often lead to unintended consequences, is more proud of Norbot than any other invention he has ever made. Voiced by actor Reece Shearsmith, Norbot is a programmed smart gnome designed to assist in various gardening tasks and even more ambitious “gnome improvements.” However, Gromit, Wallace’s faithful dog and often the more sensible one, seems less convinced by the new invention, suspecting it may bring more trouble than it’s worth.

In a first-look clip, Norbot makes his introduction by springing out of a giant wooden box, wearing a traditional gnome outfit complete with a green shirt, black belt, and a pointy red hat. With enthusiasm and charm, Norbot declares his readiness to help in the garden, much to Wallace’s delight. But there’s more to Norbot than meets the eye. As the story unfolds, Gromit grows increasingly worried about Wallace’s growing reliance on the robot. The true twist comes when Norbot begins to show signs of having its own sinister agenda.

The directors, Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham shared their excitement about Norbot’s addition to the Wallace and Gromit universe. They described Norbot as Wallace’s “best invention ever” and promised audiences an unforgettable adventure with the smart gnome at the centre of the chaos. The duo also confirmed the return of fan-favourite villain Feathers McGraw, the sneaky penguin, who will make a dramatic reappearance and team up with the smart gnome. Together, they could cause all sorts of trouble for Wallace and Gromit.

Fans of all ages are eagerly awaiting Vengeance Most Fowl, with many already speculating about the role Norbot will play in the story. Actor Reece Shearsmith expressed his joy in bringing Norbot to life, calling it a “treat” to work on the project. He reassured fans that they were in for an exciting ride as Wallace’s inventions once again spiralled out of control, creating hilarious yet heartwarming scenarios.

The film will be available on BBC One and BBC iPlayer just in time for the holiday season, promising to be a highlight of Christmas entertainment. With a balance of nostalgia, humour, and a fresh new character, Vengeance Most Fowl is sure to captivate viewers and cement Wallace and Gromit’s place as one of the most beloved duos in animation history.

Analysis

Political

The introduction of Norbot, a “smart gnome” designed to assist with gardening, reflects broader conversations about the rise of technology and its role in everyday life. The film may subtly highlight the growing reliance on automation in domestic settings, where machines take on roles traditionally managed by humans. Politically, this aligns with current debates about how technology impacts employment, human skill development, and self-reliance. Wallace’s obsession with his invention mirrors the societal shift towards automation and innovation, a topic that is often at the forefront of policy discussions on technological advancements and regulation.

Social

From a social perspective, Wallace’s creation of Norbot and his growing dependence on it speaks to themes of convenience versus human connection. The film subtly explores how modern-day gadgets, while helpful, can sometimes alienate people from their surroundings and relationships. Gromit’s skepticism of Norbot could symbolize society’s wariness of technology replacing the organic, hands-on approach to tasks. In a world where smart devices manage our homes and routines, the film addresses concerns about losing control and the potential for technology to “take over.”

Racial

Though the film focuses on humor and family entertainment, it may offer a subtle commentary on inclusion and diversity. The fact that Norbot, a gnome traditionally seen as a quirky garden ornament, takes on a new role as a “smart” device, could be interpreted as a playful nod to embracing the unexpected and challenging traditional roles. This can symbolize the broader cultural trend of breaking stereotypes and welcoming diversity in characters, both in films and in society. By giving a garden gnome—a typically mundane figure—a central role, the film echoes a message of inclusivity and diversity in unexpected places.

Gender

Norbot’s introduction could be viewed through a gendered lens as well, especially in the context of Wallace’s world of invention. Wallace, a male character, is the one constantly creating machines that “solve problems” but often need Gromit’s, a male dog’s, intervention to truly function. The dynamics of reliance on technology reflect traditional gender roles where male characters are portrayed as innovators, while the problems arising from their inventions often reflect a need for a more balanced, cooperative approach. However, Norbot’s presence may also challenge these stereotypes, as the smart gnome’s autonomy could be seen as representing more progressive ideas about balance and shared responsibility in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

Economical

Economically, the film touches on the increasing commodification of smart technology. Norbot, as a “smart gnome,” is marketed as the ultimate solution to gardening tasks, tapping into consumer demand for convenience and automation. This mirrors real-world economic trends where tech companies continually release new gadgets that promise to simplify life, often creating a cycle of dependency and consumption. As Wallace becomes reliant on Norbot, it raises questions about the cost of innovation—both financially and in terms of the unintended consequences that may arise from over-reliance on machines. The film could serve as a light-hearted critique of the consumerist culture that drives endless technological upgrades, challenging viewers to consider the long-term impact of such trends on both personal and economic levels.