Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. The beloved Wallace & Gromit franchise flourished with the arrival of the Netflix feature Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. This eagerly anticipated sequel returns audiences to the enchanting world of stop-motion animation, presenting another unforgettable escapade with our iconic duo, Wallace and Gromit, as they face off against their cunning foe, Feathers McGraw. Viewers are treated to a rich tapestry of clever Easter eggs and nods to previous installments that enhance the film’s charm.
Throughout Vengeance Most Fowl, numerous hidden details enrich the narrative, cleverly referencing earlier Wallace & Gromit films, as well as iconic moments from other movies and television series. Some references are apparent, while others are intricately woven into the background or emerge through the dialogue of the characters.
10 Cape Fear
Wallace & Gromit Pays Homage To A Classic Revenge Thriller
Comparisons between Vengeance Most Fowl and Martin Scorsese’s 1991 thriller Cape Fear are unmistakable. Both narratives center around a villain seeking vengeance against the protagonists after serving time in prison, employing cunning tactics to turn their allies against them.
Feathers McGraw’s display of doing pull-ups in his prison cell echoes the character Max Cady from Cape Fear, creating a humorous parallel. Notably, each film culminates in an exhilarating confrontation aboard a moving vessel, though it is appropriate for a family film like Vengeance Most Fowl to provide a more favorable resolution for its characters.
9 Gromit’s Original Design
A Poster Features A Dog Resembling An Older Version Of Gromit
Inside Chief Inspector Mackintosh’s office, various posters adorn the walls, but one in particular stands out: a Wanted poster featuring Feathers McGraw juxtaposed with a poster of a dog reminiscent of Gromit. This playful allusion pays homage to the prototype design of Gromit crafted by creator Nick Park during his formative years at the National Film and Television School.
The original Gromit concept showcased a dog with brown fur and an exaggerated grin, diverging from the recognizable appearance later established in the beloved series. Vengeance Most Fowl seamlessly merges nostalgia by including this nod to Gromit’s roots.
8 Gromit’s Book Collection
Apparently, Gromit The Dog Is A Huge Bookworm
In this adventurous film, Gromit’s intellectual side shines through; he is spotted immersed in sophisticated literature, despite some playful alterations to authors’ names. A work by an author named “Woof” is cleverly presented on the cover of one book, while Gromit also engages with John Milton’s Paradise Lost, whimsically spelled out as “Stilton.” Coincidentally, A Room of One’s Own is set to enter the public domain on January 1, 2025, just two days before the release of Vengeance Most Fowl.
7 007
Feathers McGraw Invokes A Classic James Bond Villain
Silently sinister, Feathers McGraw embodies the characteristics of a true villain, much akin to the notorious Ernst Stavro Blofeld from the James Bond franchise. Observed from a distance by Gromit at the zoo, Feathers sits in a revolving black chair, petting a white baby seal—an obvious homage to Blofeld’s iconic moments.
This visual metaphor effectively cements Feathers as a classic villain, merging both comedic and dark undertones uniquely suited to the film’s tone.
6 Lou Reed
Gromit Has An Interesting Taste In Music
The film is rich in puns and playful references, notably when Norbot is seen charging in Gromit’s room. On the floor, there lies an album cover titled Walkies on the Wild Side by Roo Lead—a clever twist on Lou Reed’s famous Walk on the Wild Side. This pun artfully connects with British colloquialisms regarding dog walking, appealing to Gromit’s canine nature.
Gromit’s love for this parody album adds another layer of humor, as it mirrors the film’s signature approach to blending music with character quirks.
5 Moon Cheese
Feathers Finds A Small Tribute To A Classic Wallace And Gromit Film
In a humorous technology-themed moment, as Feathers attempts to access Wallace’s computer, he encounters a security test requiring him to identify photos of cheese. His uncertainty about whether a moon image counts as cheese serves as a playful reference to the beloved 1989 short film, A Grand Day Out, where Wallace famously believed the moon was crafted from cheese during their picnic adventure.
This whimsical nod to the franchise’s origins pays tribute to the early days of Wallace & Gromit, encapsulating its essence and charm.
4 Peter Sallis
Wallace Has A British Icon’s Outfit In His House
During an interrogation scene involving Wallace, keen-eyed viewers can spot a distinctive outfit hung near the door, echoing the wardrobe of Peter Sallis’s character, Norman Clegg, from the legendary series Last of the Summer Wine. This subtle reference not only pays tribute to a beloved British sitcom but also to the late Sallis, who was the original voice actor for Wallace.
Even though Sallis passed away in 2017, his spirit and influence within the franchise are celebrated through this careful homage, adding depth to the film’s narrative.
3 The Office
Feathers McGraw Can’t Beat Michael Scott As A Boss
As a nod to the fan-favorite television series The Office, one memorable Easter egg appears as Feathers McGraw enjoys a moment aboard his submarine. He nonchalantly sips from a mug emblazoned with “World’s Best Boss,”a direct reference to Michael Scott’s iconic item from the American version of the show. This clever allusion does not go unnoticed, especially given Michael’s previous mention of Wallace & Gromit during a conversation in a memorable episode.
2 Anton Deck
Vengeance Most Fowl introduces Anton Deck, a new character who serves as a cheeky nod to British entertainment. Although not a primary character, this upbeat news reporter provides a delightful touch of humor to the film.
The character’s name cleverly references television duo Ant & Dec, known for hosting popular shows like Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and Britain’s Got Talent. In a fun tidbit, voice actor Muzz Khan shared that Aardman Animations received permission from the duo to use this playful reference, demonstrating the film’s lighthearted connection to real-world personalities.
1 The Wrong Trousers’ Train Scene
Vengeance Most Fowl Takes Its Predecessor To A New Level
Bringing Feathers McGraw back as the central antagonist provides exhilarating continuity from the beloved 1993 short film The Wrong Trousers. Vengeance Most Fowl not only revisits the past but also escalates the thrill by recreating the memorable chase scene, this time culminating in their pursuit on a moving train, leading to a breathtaking derailment and fiery climax.
This sequence encapsulates the evolution of the franchise, showcasing how far Wallace & Gromit has come since its inception while delivering an adventure that resonates deeply with long-time fans and new viewers alike.
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