Nick Park describes ’emotional’ experience of Wallace & Gromit production without Peter Sallis’s voice

The protagonists of Vengeance Most Fowl, Wallace & Gromit, would likely rank highly among television viewers’ preferred duos. This marks Wallace & Gromit’s initial significant appearance in more than ten years, and it is the first production where Peter Sallis, the voice of the cheese-loving inventor, is not featured. Nick Park commented on Sallis, who passed away in 2017 at 96 years old, stating, “It has been quite emotional [doing this production] since we lost Peter, he was such an original, unique voice.” Park added, “So it’s very hard for anyone to step into his shoes. But we have been blessed with a youngish actor whom we’ve known for many years who can do a fantastic Wallace impersonation.” He further noted, “He’s stepped in very kindly, and is just great. It’s hard to tell them apart.” Ben Whitehead, the 47-year-old actor and voice artist, expressed his honor in assuming the role, while also acknowledging a certain level of pressure. He informed the BBC, “Enormous pressure!” explaining, “Because it’s a very popular character. I got to work with Peter [Sallis] a couple of times for [2005’s] The Curse of the Were-Rabbit film. “So yeah, there’s a great deal of pressure with that. And I feel very grateful to Aardman for giving me so much time to build the character.” Whitehead continued, “You kind of have to do the ‘hmm’ and the ‘hee-hee’,” illustrating Wallace’s characteristic sounds that are indistinguishable from Peter Sallis’s Yorkshire accent. He added, “Definitely the elongation of the vowels like ‘cheeeeese’!” For years, enthusiasts have eagerly awaited new content from the plasticine duo. Addressing the timing, Park elaborated, “Whenever we’ve done talks around the world, the last question is always, ‘When is the next Wallace & Gromit film?'” He added, “The last time we did that I just came home burning with this idea that’s been around for years.” The concept involved Wallace developing a pre-programmed, voice-controlled smart Gnome named Norbot. Predictably for long-time Wallace & Gromit viewers, the inventor’s well-meaning invention, consistent with past events, ultimately leads to chaos. This recent narrative includes more than one familiar component. The new adventure also brings back an antagonist, the criminal mastermind Feathers McGraw, a penguin impersonating a chicken, who was largely vanquished by Gromit in 1993’s The Wrong Trousers. Merlin Crossingham, who co-directs Vengeance Most Fowl with Nick Park, stated, “Whenever we’re out and about talking about the future of Wallace & Gromit, the single most asked question is ‘when will Feathers be back?'” He continued, “Everybody loves a villain, it’s often said your film is only as good as its villain, [so it] seemed a perfect opportunity to bring Feathers back for this story.” Wallace & Gromit debuted to audiences in 1989 with A Grand Day Out. Their subsequent adventures have encompassed diverse elements, from faulty attire to enigmatic were-rabbits. Crossingham remarked, “I think Wallace & Gromit have so many facets to their relationship.” He elaborated, “They are best pals. They’re kind of partners in crime, they’re man and dog. And hopefully in the films, their stories, and their relationship everybody young and old relates to them.” He further commented, “I truly think it’s that relatability, not just of their simplicity of lifestyle from which madness erupts. “But everybody somewhere in the stories connects with them on some level. “And I think that what Nick has created, right back at the beginning with A Grand Day Out, has really struck a chord with people.” A new Wallace & Gromit adventure last aired on Christmas Day in 2008, titled A Matter of Loaf and Death. That day, it became the most-watched program, attracting over 16 million viewers. It also held the distinction of being the most-watched show of the entire year. Although repeating this achievement remains a possibility, the film faces formidable competition. Crossingham quipped, “Bring it on, Gavin & Stacey!” recognizing the immense popularity of the Essex and Barry-based comedy, which also broadcasts its finale on Christmas Day. Nevertheless, while Gavin & Stacey may be concluding, this does not signify a finale for Wallace & Gromit. Nick Park affirmed, “[It’s] certainly not the end.” He added, “I think there’s plenty of bounce still in their bungee.” Park continued, “We’ll carry on. There’s always ideas worth kicking about.” Merlin interjected, “Give us a minute though,” explaining, “They take a while to make!” Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is scheduled for broadcast on BBC One at 18.10 on Christmas Day. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC states it is not responsible for the content of external sites. Details on their external linking approach are available.