Aardman’s New Claymation Feature Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom Set for October Release This Halloween

When the Clumsy Farmer Trashes the Pumpkin Patch, Shaun Turns Mad Scientist – But a Real Beast Appears

Aardman, Sky and Studiocanal have today unveiled first-look materials for Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, as the globally beloved claymation sheep prepares for his third big-screen adventure this Halloween!

Sky is confirmed as the exclusive UK distributor, handling theatrical and Sky Cinema releases, with Studiocanal serving as the global partner outside the UK. GKIDS has acquired U.S. distribution rights, marking the first-ever collaboration between GKIDS and Aardman.

Synopsis: When the Pumpkin Patch Meets Its Demise

In Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, the residents of Mossy Bottom Farm are eagerly awaiting Halloween – until the clumsy Farmer accidentally destroys the Flock’s beloved pumpkin patch! To fix the problem, Shaun turns “mad scientist,” but things rapidly spiral out of control… The Farmer goes missing, and a mysterious beast begins roaming the woods of Mossingham. All the ingredients are in place for a monstrously fun family adventure.

Production: Original Voice Cast Returns, New Directors Join

This film marks the third stop-motion animated feature from Aardman’s globally cherished brand, following Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015) and A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (2019).

The film is directed by Steven Cox and Matthew Walker, marking their feature directorial debuts. The screenplay is co-written by Mark Burton and Giles Pilbrow. The beloved voice cast returns in full, with Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes, and Kate Harbour reprising their roles, bringing these cherished characters to life once again.

Distribution: Global Partnerships, First-Time Collaboration with GKIDS in the U.S.

Under the distribution arrangement, Studiocanal will handle releases in France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Benelux, and Poland, while representing worldwide sales (excluding the UK). In the UK, Sky is confirmed as the exclusive distributor, managing theatrical and Sky Cinema releases.

Eric Beckman, Founder and CEO of GKIDS, said: “We are so excited. I have been an Aardman super-fan since the earliest days of the studio, from the Academy Award-winning ‘Creature Comforts’ and original ‘Wallace & Gromit’ shorts, through ‘Rex the Runt,’ ‘Chicken Run,’ ‘Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit,’ and of course the beloved ‘Shaun the Sheep.’ For decades, Aardman has forged a unique place in the hearts of fans by infusing so much love, humor, and humanity into the hand-crafted art of stop-motion. Aardman is absolutely one-of-a-kind and we could not be more thrilled to be working together at long last.”

Chloé Marquet of Studiocanal added: “We are so delighted to announce today that Shaun the Sheep is ready for his next big U.S. adventure, and Studiocanal couldn’t ask for a better partner than GKIDS to make it happen. Their passion and expertise in animation make them the ideal home for Shaun and his very welcome return to the big screen in 2026.”

Sean Clarke, Managing Director of Aardman, stated: “We have been longtime friends and fans of GKIDS. Their unparalleled track record in bringing acclaimed international animation to American audiences makes them an ideal partner for us, and we are excited to be working together to bring ‘Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom’ to American audiences this Halloween.”

50th Anniversary Tribute: Aardman’s Legacy of Craftsmanship

2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Aardman’s founding. As part of the celebrations, this film continues Aardman’s tradition of handcrafted stop-motion animation, blending mischievous comedy with family-friendly storytelling. A series of events highlighting the studio’s craftsmanship and legacy will unfold throughout the year.

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom is co-produced by Aardman, Sky and Studiocanal, and is scheduled for global release in October 2026.