Fans of both Pokémon and Aardman's signature stop-motion charm got a major update this weekend. During Pokémon XP, the studio revealed the full scope of its upcoming collaboration with The Pokémon Company International: Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd & Pichu will consist of 21 episodes, each running seven minutes. That adds up to 147 minutes of handcrafted animation—nearly two and a half hours of the unlikely duo's chaotic quest across the Galar region.
The series follows Sirfetch'd, a self-proclaimed knight with dreams of becoming Galar's greatest hero, and Pichu, his far more pragmatic and playful squire. As teased in the first trailer, their journey is anything but smooth. Director Tom Parkinson described the pair as the heart of a "funny, heartfelt odd-couple story," with Pichu often serving as the voice of reason while Sirfetch'd's noble intentions spiral into comedic chaos. Together, they'll roam Galar, helping Pokémon in need—though, in true Aardman fashion, things rarely go as planned.
The episode count is a testament to the painstaking effort behind the project. Aardman's animators revealed during a behind-the-scenes panel that a single week of work yields just 13 seconds of footage. With 147 minutes of animation, that's an extraordinary amount of craftsmanship—and a clear sign that the studio is pulling out all the stops to bring the world of Pokémon Sword and Shield to life in physical form.
From the teaser, it's clear that Aardman has lovingly translated Galar's distinct aesthetic into tangible sets, puppets, and environments. The tiny interchangeable parts and elaborate rigs shown during Pokémon XP highlight the meticulous detail that goes into every frame. Familiar Pokémon make cameos, and the visual style is unmistakably Aardman—warm, tactile, and full of personality.
This project marks a major milestone for both franchises. For Pokémon, it's a rare foray into stop-motion, a medium that suits the creatures' expressive designs perfectly. For Aardman, it's an opportunity to apply their beloved techniques to one of the most iconic entertainment properties in the world. The collaboration was first announced last year, and fans have been eagerly awaiting details ever since.
While the wait for the series continues, there's plenty to keep fans occupied. If you're looking for more charming, character-driven storytelling, check out why 'Colin From Accounts' is a must-stream rom-com. And for those who prefer their heroes a bit more action-packed, Jon Bernthal's thriller 'The Accountant' is currently dominating Prime Video.
Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd & Pichu will premiere on Disney XD and stream exclusively on Disney+ worldwide in 2027. Until then, fans can rewatch the teaser and marvel at the sheer dedication behind this ambitious project.
