Wallace's dog Gromit was nearly a cat, reveals creator as Aardman turns 50
Nick Park began modelling the character as a feline, before finding it too difficult and changing him to a dog
TL;DR
- Gromit, the famous stop-motion animated dog from Wallace & Gromit, was originally planned to be a cat by creator Nick Park.
- Aardman Animations, founded in 1976, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with several events and exhibitions.
- Other Aardman successes include Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run, Early Man, and Flushed Away.
- Chicken Run was the highest-grossing stop-motion film ever, and a recent Wallace & Gromit special was one of the BBC's most-watched scripted shows.
- Exhibitions are being held at M Shed in Bristol and the Young V&A in east London, showcasing archives and models.
- The Royal Mint has released a commemorative 50p coin for the anniversary.
- An auction of over 150 Aardman items, including models of Wallace, Gromit, and Shaun the Sheep, is taking place from September 4th to 24th.
- Proceeds from the auction will fund talent development initiatives at Aardman, including bursaries and programs for emerging filmmakers.