We’re big Aardman fans here at ShortList. Whether it’s Gromit going toe-toe with a murderous penguin, chickens building planes, or a sheep named Shaun riffing on Charlie Chaplin, if the iconic claymation pioneers are working on something then they have our attention.
We’re very happy to report, then, that the iconic Bristol-based studio has released the first trailer for its next film, prehistoric comedy Early Man.
In the brief teaser we see mop-headed caveman Dug (played by Eddie Redmayne) trying to catch his dinner, but his hapless tribe are making it difficult.
Early Man is being headed up by Aardman legend Nick Park, in his first directing gig since 2008’s Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death. Joining award-hoovering Redmayne in a cast loaded with British acting talent are Maisie Williams, Tom Hiddleston, Timothy Spall, Richard Ayoade, Selina Griffiths, Mark Williams, Johnny Vegas, Gina Yashere, and Simon Greenall.
The only bad news is that the film isn’t out until January next year. Before then make sure you watch the studio’s previous feature, Shaun the Sheep Movie. The top-notch animation will come as no surprise, but just as memorable are the endlessly inventive sight gags and nods to some of the silent slapstick-comedy classics. Well worth seeking out.
