A first look at a new character voiced by Reece Shearsmith for the film Wallace And Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl has been unveiled by the BBC.
Norbot the robotic smart gnome will co-star in the new feature-length adventure about inventor Wallace and his trusty and loyal beagle Gromit, which will also see the return of infamous supervillain Feathers McGraw.
The gnome is Wallace’s latest invention, a pre-programmed smart gnome designed to do any kind of gardening task or “gnome improvement”.
In a first-look clip, Wallace can be seen unveiling his invention to Gromit, who looks apprehensive.
The robot, who wears a green shirt with a black buckle on it and a pointy red hat, says: “Hi, I’m your nifty oddjobing robot, call me Norbot… please to meet you, master Gromit.”
Voice of Norbot, Shearsmith, who is known for co-creating and starring in the TV series Inside No 9, said it was a “joy” to bring the robot to life.
“As a huge fan of Wallace and Gromit, it’s been such a joy to work alongside Nick and Merlin and the team at Aardman to bring Norbot to life in such an exciting story”, he said.
“I think fans of all ages are in for a treat, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it!”.
In Vengeance Most Fowl, Gromit grows concerned as Wallace becomes overly dependent on his inventions, including Norbot who seems to develop an evil mind of his own.
Directors Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham, said: “We are delighted to introduce Norbot, a ‘nifty odd-jobbing robot’ gnome, designed to help Gromit with his gardening chores.
“Norbot is Wallace’s most proud achievement to date and, according to Wallace, his ‘best invention ever’!
“Garden gnomes have long been a part of Wallace and Gromit’s world, but this is no cute patio ornament. Norbot is the ultimate gnome – a ‘smart gnome’.”
The film will also include cameos from comedian Peter Kay, Mandy’s Diane Morgan, Bridgerton actress Adjoa Andoh and comedian Sir Lenny Henry.
Earlier this year, the BBC announced that the new 79-minute film will feature the return of evil penguin character Feathers McGraw who was first seen in 1993’s Bafta and Oscar-winning short The Wrong Trousers.
The film will premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One this Christmas in the UK and will be available globally outside of the UK on Netflix this winter.
