Key Highlights
At the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 21, 2026, Aardman Animations treated audiences to a wave of announcements, including a new Pokémon series, a Lego short film, and the launch of a Master of Fine Arts program at London's Royal College of Art. The studio also celebrated its 50-year legacy of clay animation with a nostalgic look back at its iconic characters and productions.
Aardman and Pokémon Join Forces
The biggest reveal came when Phil Rynda, director of original animation at The Pokémon Company International, joined Aardman's chief creative director Sarah Cox on stage to share behind-the-scenes insights on the upcoming series 'Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d and Pichu.' The show, set in the Galar region—which mirrors the real-world U.K.—will feature Aardman's signature stop-motion clay animation combined with cutting-edge special effects. The pilot footage delighted the Annecy audience, showcasing the quirky British humor that Aardman is known for, including a nod to Gromit's signature move.
Rynda remarked, “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.” Cox added, “Aardman teams are delighted to bring the vivid physicality of stop frame animation into the Pokémon world. Director Tom Parkinson and his team have created a hand-crafted spin on the wonderful Pokémon we all know and love.”
Celebrating 50 Years of Clay Animation
Co-founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton, along with director Nick Park, took the stage to reflect on Aardman's journey from kitchen-table experiments to global acclaim. The trio, recently knighted in the King's Birthday Honors, shared archival footage and behind-the-scenes stories. Lord noted, “Our animation might be ‘old school,’ but we do it for the love of the craft. Our teams are so good at their jobs, and this love shines on the screen.”
New Lego Short and Animation Academy
In addition to the Pokémon series, Aardman teased an upcoming Lego short film, though details remain under wraps. The studio also announced a new Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program at the Royal College of Art in London, building on over 25 years of teaching their unique craft. A hand-crafted teaser for the program was shown, emphasizing Aardman's commitment to nurturing talent.
Impact and What Readers Should Know
These announcements underscore Aardman's enduring influence in animation, blending tradition with innovation. The Pokémon collaboration marks a significant expansion into franchise storytelling, while the Lego short and MFA program highlight the studio's dedication to both commercial and educational ventures. For fans, the new series promises a fresh, hand-crafted take on beloved characters.
FAQ
What is the new Pokémon series from Aardman?
The series is titled 'Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d and Pichu,' set in the Galar region and featuring stop-motion animation.
When will the Aardman Pokémon series be released?
The series is expected to premiere next year, in 2027.
What other projects did Aardman announce at Annecy?
Aardman also teased a new Lego short and announced a Master of Fine Arts program at the Royal College of Art in London.