Aardman Animations, known for Wallace & Gromit, teamed up with The Pokémon Company International to create Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu, a stop-motion animated series set to debut worldwide on Disney+ and Disney XD in 2027 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The series follows Sirfetch’d and Pichu as they journey through the Galar region on a quest to help and protect Pokémon [1, 2, 3, 4].
The first trailer premiered yesterday, August 28, 2026, during the new Pokémon XP fan event in San Francisco, which coincided with the 2026 Pokémon World Championships and drew an audience of more than 50,000 fans [1, 2, 3, 4]. This event marked the first time Pokémon XP — the franchise’s first dedicated fan convention — was held [2, 4].
Aardman said about 262 people are working on the series, which requires roughly 110 weeks to complete a single episode, with animators averaging 13.5 seconds of finished animation each week [3]. Director Tom Parkinson highlighted the characters’ dynamics: “Sirfetch'd has this wonderfully noble, slightly bumbling energy – determined to be the best knight in the whole of Galar. While Pichu is the playful, curious squire, and often, actual voice of reason” [2].
The series will feature new Pokémon and locations from the Pokémon Sword and Shield games, such as Obstagoon and the Crown Tundra [2]. The antagonist is Escavalier, a knight who challenges Sirfetch’d [3]. The production aims to blend comedic storytelling with detailed stop-motion animation emphasizing heritage and character [1, 2, 4].
Sean Clarke, Managing Director of Aardman, said, "Bringing together Pokémon, the world’s biggest entertainment brand, together with our love of craft, character and comedic storytelling feels incredibly exciting" [1]. Phil Rynda, Director of Original Animation at The Pokémon Company, praised the vivid portrayal of Galar, saying the animation makes you "feel like you can smell the air, touch the tree bark, and want to adventure alongside our series heroes" [4]. Disney Kids & Family President Ayo Davis added that the series brings "Aardman’s signature stop-motion artistry with a bold, playful new perspective to this beloved world" [4].
Earlier this month, Disney+ also added Pokémon the Series: The Beginning to its streaming lineup and Disney XD schedule, expanding the franchise’s content availability in 2026 [1, 2, 4].
The full stop-motion series is set for exclusive streaming worldwide on Disney+ and Disney XD in 2027 [1, 2, 3, 4].
