GKIDS Acquires U.S. Rights to Latest Shaun the Sheep Feature

GKIDS has acquired the U.S. distribution rights to Aardman’s Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom.

“We are so excited,” said Eric Beckman, founder and CEO of GKIDS. “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.”

With characters created by Nick Park, the film marks the feature directorial debut of Steve Cox and Matthew Walker. The film is written by Mark Burton and Giles Pilbrow, and stars Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes and Kate Harbour. The film is slated for theatrical release for Halloween 2026.

“We have been longtime friends and fans of GKIDS,” said Aardman managing director Sean Clarke. “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!”

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom marks the first-ever collaboration between GKIDS and Aardman, and the fourth between Aardman and STUDIOCANAL. STUDIOCANAL will handle distribution for the feature in France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Benelux and Poland, and is representing film sales worldwide, excluding the U.K., where Sky is confirmed as the exclusive distributor, releasing in cinemas and on Sky Cinema.

“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,” said STUDIOCANAL’s Chloé Marquet. “Their passion and expertise in animation make them the ideal home for Shaun and his very welcome return to the big screen in 2026.”