Aardman directors reveal 7-foot windmill set built for Shaun the Sheep Halloween film
Steve Cox and Matthew Walker say the third Shaun the Sheep film began as a 30-minute Valentine's TV special before growing into a feature.
Directors Steve Cox and Matthew Walker discussed the making of Aardman's third Shaun the Sheep feature,, in an interview reported by cinematoday.jp. The film is set at Halloween and, according to the directors, is the largest-scale entry in the series.
The production built a giant windmill set standing more than 7 feet (about 2.1 metres) tall. The windmill and a harbour are the two major new locations in the film.
The project was originally planned as a 30-minute television special for Valentine's Day. As the story grew, it was developed instead as the third theatrical film in the series.
Roughly three and a half years passed from the start of development to completion, with about 10 months of animation shooting. At its peak, 30 animators worked across 40 sets.
A Halloween 2026 release was the goal from the outset, the directors said. The previous film,, was released in 2019.
Quick answers
When is released?
A Halloween 2026 release was the target from the start of production, according to directors Steve Cox and Matthew Walker.
What is the new Shaun the Sheep film about?
It is set at Halloween and is described by its directors as the largest-scale film in the series, with a windmill and a harbour as its two major new locations.
How long did the film take to make?
About three and a half years from the start of development to completion, including roughly 10 months of animation shooting.