Pikachu may be the mascot of the Pokémon franchise, but a different protagonist — two of them, in fact — will be at the front and centre of an upcoming stop-motion project. Following the announcement of a collaboration between The Pokémon Company and Aardman, the animation studio behind Wallace and Gromit and Chicken Run, the two companies have revealed more information about Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu.
The first, as shared during their panel at this year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival, is an update on its story, followed by new artwork featuring the titular duo. Attendees at the event were shown footage from its pilot episode, which sets up a journey through the wilds of Galar, with Phil Rynda, director of animation at The Pokémon Company, and Aardman chief creative director Sarah Cox also offering insights on the project’s development and creative process.
“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, rivalries, extraordinary Pokémon, and endless laughs await them,” reads the official synopsis.
“Aardman are delighted to bring the vivid physicality of stop frame animation into the Pokémon world,” added Cox. “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.”
Previously, The Pokémon Company joined forces with Dwarf Studios and Netflix for Pokémon Concierge, a feel-good stop-motion series focusing on a woman named Haru, who becomes a concierge at Pokémon Resort, and her interactions with the various critters and their trainers. It elevated Psyduck to mainstream popularity and received more episodes in 2025. The cosy vibes continued into the start of 2026, with Pokémon Pokopia charming players with its sandbox and life-simulation elements.
Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu takes flight sometime in 2027.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
