The idyllic Welsh valley of Mossingham has taken a dark turn in Aardman Animations’ latest feature, Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom. The upcoming film introduces a terrifying narrative involving frankenfood, pitchfork-wielding villagers, and a monster characterized by suspiciously stiff orange hair, marking a significant genre shift for the beloved franchise.
Production is currently underway at the Aztec West industrial estate in Bristol, the historic site where Aardman was established. Opened by Margaret Thatcher in December 1989, the 160-acre complex houses approximately 7,000 employees across 100 companies, including major entities such as EDF, EE, HSBC, Co-op Legal, and Spandex. The facility even boasts its own gym, spa, church, and morgue.
Stepping into Unit 1410 reveals a stark contrast to the industrial exterior, restoring a bucolic English landscape through miniature filmmaking. The set features a farm with sheep, rolling autumn-colored fields, and a small parish town complete with a post office, war memorial, and fish and chip shop. However, this lush scenery is entirely artificial; Mossingham stands only two feet tall and is constructed from plasticine.
As of January 2026, the studio is halfway through production on the film. The team of over 300 staff members is working at full capacity, with each of the 30 animators producing nearly two seconds of footage per day to bring the darker tale to life.
Leave a Reply