For fans worldwide, Peter Sallis was, and always will be, the definitive voice of Wallace. His warm, gentle Yorkshire tones were integral to the character’s charm and appeal. Nick Park, the creator of Wallace & Gromit, acknowledges the emotional weight of proceeding without Sallis, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 96. “It has been quite emotional [doing this production] since we lost Peter, he was such an original, unique voice,” Park stated, emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of Sallis’s contribution.
Wallace and Gromit in Vengeance Most Fowl, running away from danger, Wallace holding a torch, showcasing the classic animated duo.
Peter Sallis: The Unique Voice Behind Wallace
Peter Sallis’s portrayal of Wallace wasn’t just voice acting; it was character embodiment. His distinctive delivery, the gentle enthusiasm, and the utterly British sensibility he brought to Wallace made the inventor instantly lovable and relatable. From “A Grand Day Out” in 1989 to “A Matter of Loaf and Death” in 2008, Sallis voiced Wallace in numerous short films, television series, and the feature film “The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.” His work earned him accolades and cemented Wallace’s place in animation history. It’s hard to imagine Wallace without the comforting familiarity of Peter Sallis’s voice.
Nick Park recognized the monumental task of finding a successor, explaining, “So it’s very hard for anyone to step into his shoes.” The search for a new voice actor was clearly approached with great care and respect for Sallis’s legacy.
Ben Whitehead: Honoring Sallis’s Legacy as the New Voice of Wallace
Stepping into this significant role is Ben Whitehead, a 47-year-old actor and voice artist. Whitehead expresses both honor and the immense pressure of taking on such a beloved character. “Enormous pressure!” he admitted in an interview, acknowledging the popularity and established identity of Wallace, so wonderfully crafted by Peter Sallis. Whitehead has a connection to the Wallace & Gromit world, having worked with Peter Sallis himself on “The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.” This experience likely provided him with valuable insight into Sallis’s approach and the nuances of Wallace’s character.
Whitehead’s approach seems to be one of respectful imitation and dedication to capturing the essence of Wallace as voiced by Peter Sallis. He mentions the time Aardman has given him to “build the character,” suggesting a meticulous process of studying and understanding Wallace’s vocal mannerisms. Demonstrating his commitment, Whitehead even mimics Wallace-isms like the “hmm” and “hee-hee,” and the elongated vowels, particularly in words like “cheeeeese,” instantly recognizable trademarks of Peter Sallis’s voice work. Nick Park assures fans of Whitehead’s capability, stating, “He’s stepped in very kindly, and is just great. It’s hard to tell them apart.” This endorsement is a strong indication of Whitehead’s success in capturing the spirit of Wallace while honoring Peter Sallis’s original performance.
Wallace & Gromit: A Timeless Appeal Returns
The question on many fans’ minds is, “Why now?” Why bring Wallace & Gromit back after so long, especially without Peter Sallis? Nick Park explains the consistent fan demand as a major driving force. “Whenever we’ve done talks around the world, the last question is always, ‘When is the next Wallace & Gromit film?'” This persistent enthusiasm, coupled with a long-standing story idea, spurred the creation of “Vengeance Most Fowl.”
The new film introduces Norbot, a voice-controlled smart Gnome, a classic Wallace invention that inevitably leads to chaos. Adding to the familiar charm is the return of Feathers McGraw, the villainous penguin from “The Wrong Trousers.” Merlin Crossingham, co-director with Nick Park, highlights the enduring appeal of Feathers McGraw, stating, “Everybody loves a villain… it seemed a perfect opportunity to bring Feathers back for this story.”
The enduring popularity of Wallace & Gromit, even in Peter Sallis’s absence, speaks to the characters’ universal relatability. Crossingham reflects on their multifaceted relationship: “They are best pals. They’re kind of partners in crime, they’re man and dog… everybody young and old relates to them.” This simple yet profound connection with audiences is what makes Wallace & Gromit so beloved and ensures their continued relevance. Nick Park’s creation, starting with “A Grand Day Out,” has genuinely “struck a chord with people” worldwide.
Christmas Day and Beyond for Wallace & Gromit
“Vengeance Most Fowl” is set to broadcast on Christmas Day, a traditional slot for Wallace & Gromit specials, recalling the immense success of “A Matter of Loaf and Death” in 2008. This year, however, it faces stiff competition from other popular shows, including the finale of “Gavin & Stacey.” Merlin Crossingham jokingly acknowledges the challenge, “Bring it on, Gavin & Stacey!”
Despite the competition and the absence of Peter Sallis, the future looks bright for Wallace & Gromit. Nick Park assures fans that this is “certainly not the end,” stating, “I think there’s plenty of bounce still in their bungee.” While acknowledging the time-consuming nature of creating Wallace & Gromit animations, the creators clearly have more stories to tell. “Give us a minute though,” Merlin Crossingham quips, “They take a while to make!”
As Wallace & Gromit return, “Vengeance Most Fowl” serves not only as a new adventure but also as a tribute to the irreplaceable Peter Sallis. His voice shaped Wallace into the character we know and love, and while Ben Whitehead takes on the mantle, Sallis’s legacy will undoubtedly resonate within this and future Wallace & Gromit productions. Fans eagerly anticipate this new chapter, ready to welcome back their beloved duo and celebrate the enduring magic of Wallace & Gromit, forever remembering the voice that started it all – Peter Sallis.
