We finally got our first official look at the upcoming claymation series Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d and Pichu, which will debut exclusively on Disney+ next year.
It goes without saying that there’s a lotta hype around this charming show. Mainly because it’s dream collab with Aardman, the incomparable British studio behind certified classics like Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep, and Wallace & Gromit. And, given Pokémon’s past successes with Dwarf Animation’s stop-motion series, Pokémon Concierge, it’s delightful to see the series lean all the way in on the cuteness aggression of its titular creatures with shows that practically sell plushies. Especially since this time around the series isn’t centered on mascot glory hog Pikachu, but instead on the electric mouse’s pre-evolution form getting into some zany misadventures with the green onion-wielding duck, Sirfetch’d.
Here’s the show’s official logline:
In Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu, Sirfetch’d and Pichu embark on an epic journey through the Galar Region. Together, they set out 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 where peril, alliances, rivalries, extraordinary Pokémon, and endless laughs await them.
Other than the above, we know the series takes place in Pokémon Sword & Shield‘s UK-inspired region of Galar. What’s more, the series won’t follow the human point of view but will instead offer a show from the diminutive perspective of its pocket monsters. If only kaiju media would take more pointers from the Pokémon Company. Plus, given Aardman’s aptitude for both slapstick comedy and extremely colloquial Britishisms, it’s safe to say this series will bring out the latent potential of Pokémon’s chaotic side to complement the extremely chill vibes of Concierge.
“These stories, full of adventure and heroism, all told from the perspective of Pokémon is made even more exciting through the lens of the incredible filmmakers at Aardman,” Phil Rynda, Pokémon’s director of original animation wrote in a press release. “Audiences will be delighted getting to know the Sirfetch’d & Pichu, and wonderful cast of Pokémon, featured in this series. Aardman has brought Galar to life in a way that makes you feel like you can smell the air, touch the tree bark, and want to adventure alongside our series heroes.”
Coinciding with today’s trailer was the announcement that Disney will also house Pokémon The Series: The Beginning, which follows the adventures of Ash and Pikachu.
“Pokémon has that rare ability to mean something to longtime fans while continuing to feel completely relevant to young audiences today,” Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids & Family, said. “This new series Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu brings Aardman’s signature stop-motion artistry with a bold, playful new perspective to this beloved world, giving audiences a fresh way to experience the characters they know and love. Along with Pokémon the Series: The Beginning, these series are powerful additions to Disney XD and Disney+.”
Prayer circles out for fans to get to see their favorite Galar-region Pokémon make appearances in Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu. We’re not asking for much. We just wanna see Mr. Rime show up solely for his mustachioed visage, which looks like a gold mine for British tomfoolery.
Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d and Pichu is slated to release on Disney XD and Disney+ in 2027.
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