The Pokémon Company International has shared new details about Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu, a stop-motion animation project being made together with British studio Aardman. The announcement came during Aardman’s “Lights, Camera, Aardman!” panel at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

Phil Rynda, Director of Original Animation at The Pokémon Company International, joined Aardman’s Chief Creative Director Sarah Cox at the panel to talk about how the project came together and what went into making it. Attendees were treated to never-before-seen footage from the pilot as well as production materials still in development, giving audiences an early look at Sirfetch’d and Pichu in action along with some hints at what else is to come.

The show is set in Galar, a region in the Pokémon world that shares a lot of geographical similarities with the United Kingdom. That setting makes for a natural fit given Aardman’s British roots, and it also suits the regal personality that Sirfetch’d is known for. The panel also touched on the project’s sense of humour, which leans into the distinctly British comedy style that has long been associated with Aardman’s most popular works.

Rynda spoke about what the collaboration means to the team. “It’s an honour to take part in Aardman’s panel at Annecy and talk about the shared commitment to quality, strong storytelling, memorable characters and a genuine respect for audiences and fans,” he said. “This project gives us a unique opportunity to tell stories from the point of view of Pokémon, made possible by Aardman’s extraordinary craft, remarkable artistry. Their warmth, and affection for this much-loved Pokémon cast are evident in every brilliantly crafted frame.”

Cox also shared her thoughts on bringing the two worlds together. “Aardman are delighted to bring the vivid physicality of Stop Frame animation into the Pokémon world,” she said. “Director Tom Parkinson and team have created a hand-crafted spin on the wonderful Pokémon we all know and love with comedic storytelling that celebrates the quirks, eccentricities and charms of our heroes as they explore Galar on a delightfully offbeat Quest. Aardman and Pokémon share a strong commitment to creativity and talent on this shared quest of our own to bring joy to audiences across the world.”

Further updates on Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu can be found on the official Pokémon website.