‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’: First Look at Norbot, the Out-of-Control ‘Smart Gnome’
Netflix released a teaser clip introducing Norbot, the “smart gnome” from Aardman’s stop-motion feature “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl,” directed by franchise creator Nick Park and creative director Merlin Crossingham (premiering on the streamer this winter).
Norbot (Reece Shearsmith) marks the greatest invention yet from the eccentric, cheese-loving Wallace (Ben Whitehead). It’s designed to do any kind of gardening task (or “gnome improvement”), much to the chagrin of Wallace’s canine companion, Gromit, who’s concerned that his pal has become too dependent on his inventions.
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The pre-programmed Norbot is a quick learner, efficient, polite, and cheerful, and it quickly becomes popular with the locals to help with their gardening needs. That is until Norbot seemingly develops a mind of its own and runs amok. It’s up to Gromit to stop the AI nightmare and save his friend.
“We are delighted to introduce Norbot, a ‘Nifty Odd-jobbing Robot’ gnome, designed to help Gromit with his gardening chores,” the directors said in a prepared statement. “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….We’re so excited to see Wallace unleashing his latest invention, Norbot, into the world. However, his long-suffering pooch, Gromit, may be a little less sure…”
Meanwhile, fan-favorite Feathers McGraw, the villainous penguin from the franchise short “The Wrong Trousers,” returns to plot his revenge against Wallace & Gromit.
Park has won four Oscars, including three for U.K.-based Aardman’s Wallace & Gromit franchise: “The Wrong Trousers” and “A Close Shave” for animated short and “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” for animated feature. “Vengeance Most Fowl” marks the franchise’s second feature in 19 years.
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