Aardman’s Stop-Motion Pokémon Series to Debut on Disney+ in 2027

Key points

• Disney+ and The Pokémon Company International announced a global distribution deal on August 28, 2026, at the Pokémon XP event.
• The deal includes the new stop-motion series 'Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu,' produced by Aardman Animations, which will debut on Disney XD and stream exclusively on Disney+ in 2027.
• The agreement also brings the classic animated series 'Pokémon the Series: The Beginning' to Disney+, which has already begun airing on Disney XD.
• The new series focuses on the characters Sirfetch’d and Pichu as they navigate the Galar Region, shifting the perspective away from traditional human trainers.
• Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids & Family, highlighted the collaboration as a fresh way to experience the Pokémon world through Aardman’s signature stop-motion artistry.

Background

This deal expands Disney+'s family programming slate, following recent announcements of other animated and live-action series. The Pokémon brand has previously explored stop-motion formats, such as 'Pokémon Concierge,' but this marks the first major collaboration with Aardman, the studio known for 'Wallace & Gromit' and 'Shaun the Sheep.' The timing coincides with Aardman's 50th anniversary in 2026.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline and Disney+ Press Center reported the deal as a significant expansion of Disney's family content, emphasizing the strategic partnership and the exclusive streaming rights. Gizmodo focused on the creative synergy between Aardman's stop-motion style and the Pokémon franchise, noting the shift in perspective to the Pokémon themselves rather than human trainers. All sources agreed on the 2027 debut date and the inclusion of 'Pokémon the Series: The Beginning' in the deal.

Why it matters

The deal strengthens Disney+'s position in the children's entertainment market by securing a major global IP and leveraging a renowned animation studio. It also signals a continued trend of reviving classic animated series on streaming platforms while introducing new, high-quality stop-motion content to attract both longtime fans and new audiences.

What to watch

Fans can expect the official teaser trailer for 'Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu' to be released in the coming weeks, with the series set to debut in 2027. 'Pokémon the Series: The Beginning' is already available on Disney+ in the U.S. and select international markets.