Image: Sky Press
Preview by Jon Donnis
Shaun and the flock are heading back to cinemas this autumn as Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom arrives as a Sky Original on 18 September. The first look trailer points to a lively and chaotic new outing, filled with the playful energy that has defined the series.
The preview shows a mysterious creature causing trouble across Mossy Bottom, with the farm thrown into confusion. Hens panic, Bitzer dives for cover, and the flock prepares for what looks like an unusual showdown. Shaun is seen stepping into a mad scientist role as events begin to spiral, while traps are set and the chaos builds around them.
The film is the third stop motion feature from Aardman's Shaun the Sheep brand, with Sky partnering as the exclusive UK distributor for a full theatrical release. Dani Dyer joins the cast in her first animation voice role, adding to a production that continues to expand the series.
This year also marks 30 years since Shaun first appeared in Wallace and Gromit: A Close Shave. Since then, the series has reached audiences in 170 territories worldwide, with a seventh series due to air later this year. The previous feature films both received BAFTA and Academy Award nominations, while the 2021 special Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas won an International Emmy.
The story centres on the residents of Mossy Bottom Farm preparing for Halloween, until the Farmer accidentally destroys the flock's pumpkin patch. Shaun attempts to fix the problem, but things quickly get out of control. With the Farmer missing and a wild beast roaming the woods of Mossingham, the film brings together the ingredients for a family adventure built around humour, confusion and a seasonal twist.
