Aardman's 'Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom' Hits UK Cinemas as Creators Dismiss AI Threat
On 18 September 2026, UK audiences welcomed Aardman's stop-motion film 'Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom,' helmed by directors Steve Cox and Matthew Walker. This Halloween-themed horror-comedy introduces Shaun as a deranged scientist, marking the franchise's inaugural foray into this genre. Producer Richard Beek noted that while AI and CGI will not supplant stop-motion animation, AI tools might be utilized. The voice cast features Dani Dyer, Justin Fletcher, Nina Sosanya, Paul Whitehouse, and Roman Kemp, with a remix of the theme song by Rizzle Kicks. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Aardman was established in Bristol in 1976 by Sir Peter Lord and Sir David Sproxton. Shaun first appeared in the 1995 film 'A Close Shave' and continues to enjoy popularity in Japan. The film will also be available for streaming on Sky Cinema and NOW TV.
Key facts
- 'Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom' was released in UK cinemas on 18 September 2026
- The film is directed by Steve Cox and Matthew Walker
- Producer Richard Beek said AI will not replace storytelling and creation in stop-motion
- The voice cast includes Dani Dyer, Justin Fletcher, Nina Sosanya, Paul Whitehouse and Roman Kemp
- Rizzle Kicks remixed the theme tune 'Life's A Treat'
- Aardman was founded in Bristol in 1976 by Sir Peter Lord and Sir David Sproxton and celebrated its 50th birthday this year
- Shaun first appeared in the 1995 Wallace and Gromit film 'A Close Shave'
- The film will later be available on Sky Cinema and NOW TV
Entities
Artists
- Steve Cox
- Matthew Walker
- Richard Beek
- Dani Dyer
- Justin Fletcher
- Nina Sosanya
- Paul Whitehouse
- Roman Kemp
- Rizzle Kicks
- Sir Peter Lord
- Sir David Sproxton
- Kitty Clay
Institutions
- Aardman
- Aardman's Academy
- BBC Bristol
- Sky Cinema
- NOW TV
- BAFTA
Locations
- Bristol
- United Kingdom
- Japan