Aardman Reveals First Footage Of New ‘Wallace & Gromit’ Smart Gnome Character Norbot – Annecy Netflix Showcase
12.06.2024 - 19:01
/ deadline.com
Aardman’s Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham debuted first footage of new Wallace & Gromit character, smart gnome Norbot, during a Next on Netflix showcase at the Annecy International Film Festival on Wednesday.
The co-directors took time away from production at the Aardman studio in Bristol of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl to give an update on the movie to animation professionals and students at the French lakeside festival.
The existence of a smart gnome character at the heart of the storyline was revealed some time ago, but it is the first time he has been shown to an audience on the big screen.
“Wallace and Gromit’s world has really got to a point where Wallace is just on a big inventing spree, and he decides that what Gromit really needs is another new invention, as if he didn’t already have enough inventions already, and he invents Norbot,” said Crossingham.
“Norbot is a nifty, odd-jobbing robot… he is very efficient, probably one of Wallace’s best inventions ever, ruthlessly efficient. And actually, what it does, is really upset Gromit, and gets right in the way. Walllace doesn’t really understand this. He thinks it’s the best thing ever. And things rapidly get out of control.”
In the extract revealed in the Next at Netflix showcase, Wallace introduces Gromit to his new invention. He pitches up on the lawn with a big crate while Gromit is peacefully gardening. One side of the crate crash’s down to reveal a mechanical gnome in traditional green and red garb.
No images have been made public as yet and photography and filming is strictly forbidden in the Annecy presentations, but the new character looks similar to the ceramic gnome featured in the first Wallace & Gromit feature, Curse of the Were Rabbit.
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