'Pokémon' Returns to Stop-Motion Animation with New Disney+ Series

The beloved Pokémon franchise is venturing back into the world of stop-motion animation with a new series developed in collaboration with Aardman Animations, the renowned British studio behind "Chicken Run" and "Wallace & Gromit." The upcoming series, officially titled "Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd and Pichu," promises a comedic take on the adventures of these unexpected heroes as they strive to protect Pokémon in the Galar region.

During the PokémonXP panel at the Pokémon World Championships 2026, a first look at the series was revealed. The trailer showcased the duo's often-unplanned heroic missions and highlighted how their friendship grows with each challenge. The synopsis teases "extraordinary Pokémon, dangers, alliances, rivalries, and lots of laughs" awaiting the characters.

Fans can anticipate the series' global premiere on Disney+ sometime in 2027. This collaboration signifies a significant move for the franchise, leveraging Aardman's distinctive animation style to bring a fresh visual experience to Pokémon storytelling.

This new series follows the success of "Concierge Pokémon," an eight-episode stop-motion production that aired on Netflix between 2023 and 2025. "Concierge Pokémon" focused on a concierge Pokémon at a resort, offering a different narrative style but establishing the franchise's willingness to explore stop-motion formats. The upcoming series with Aardman suggests a continued commitment to experimenting with animation techniques to engage a global audience.

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Although their heroic missions rarely go as planned, their friendship grows with each challenge. Extraordinary Pokémon, dangers, alliances, rivalries, and lots of laughs await them.