Renowned 'Wallace & Gromit' filmmakers share insights on reviving the duo's arch-nemesis and additional aspects
Wallace & Gromit's feathered nemesis, Feathers McGraw, is creating quite a buzz in the UK. The shifty penguin, infamous for causing chaos in "The Wrong Trousers," has become the most requested character for tattoos. Merlin Crossingham and Nick Park, directors of "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance is Most Fowl," can't help but feel like winners already.
In the Netflix-exclusive film, Feathers irks his way back into Wallace's (voiced by Ben Whitehead) life. He hacks into Wallace's latest invention, a robotic garden gnome named Norbot, and frames Wallace for a massive diamond heist.
Nick Park and Crossingham are thrilled about the film's Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature, but the real victory, they say, is in the impact the characters have on their fans. They believe that a good story transcends the film, leaving the audience with characters that live on in their hearts and minds.
The timing was right for Feathers McGraw's return to Wallace & Gromit's world. Even though the idea of a sequel with the diamond thief was tempting, there was never a compelling context until the story for "Vengeance is Most Fowl" began to take shape. The villainous penguin, known for his silence, was reintroduced with the same enigmatic charm, making him feel like a mastermind antagonist in a thriller.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has shown a fondness for stop-motion animations. Nick Park, a master of the craft, has earned several Oscar nominations and wins for Wallace & Gromit films. Other notable stop-motion films, like Burton's "Corpse Bride" and "Frankenweenie", have also graced the Oscars.
In "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance is Most Fowl," Feathers McGraw serves as a reminder of the authentic charm of stop-motion animation. The handmade process, from the physical sets to the real characters, resonates with audiences, ensuring the continuity and warmth of the old in the face of advancing technology.
Wes Anderson, known for his unique filmmaking style, expressed his admiration for the stop-motion animation in "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance is Most Fowl," stating it as a timeless art form. Guillermo del Toro, another renowned director, also praised the movie, expressing his hope that it would inspire more stop-motion projects. Feathers McGraw's memorable character has even influenced Feathers McGraw's real-life tattoo enthusiasts, with many fanatics getting inked with the penguin's image. Tim Burton, the famous director, also showed interest in the film, seeking to collaborate with Merlin Crossingham and Nick Park in the future.