Wallace & Gromit Joke Too British for Netflix

Aardman’s Wallace & Gromit is known for its charming British humor that appeals to audiences around the globe. From enjoying a cup of tea to using colloquialisms, the endearing duo’s quintessentially British traits have endeared them to fans both near and far. However, even their international charm couldn’t help with a joke that was just too British for Netflix.

The latest installment in the Wallace & Gromit series, “Vengeance Most Fowl,” is set to debut on Netflix in January, and the creators recently admitted that they had to make some tweaks at the behest of the streaming service. Executive producer Carla Shelley revealed that there were some jokes that had to be adjusted due to references that might not resonate with audiences outside the UK. One such joke involved a “bog chain,” which was humorously pointed out as a British term for a toilet flush. Netflix’s query of “what’s a bog chain!?” led them to realize that some references needed a global touch.

Despite toning down some of the British humor for global audiences, Aardman managed to sneak in a fun Easter egg that British fans will appreciate. In the film, the returning villain Feathers McGraw interacts with an adorable baby seal with a nod to James Bond’s Blofeld. This subtle joke drew laughter at the premiere and even inspired talk of a spin-off series for the baby seal character, humorously named Ron in reference to the British DIY company Ronseal. Although not explicitly mentioned in the movie, the inside joke now transcends to fans across the pond.

“Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” is set to hit Netflix on January 3, 2025, for a global audience. British viewers will get an early treat, as it premieres on Christmas Day, December 25, exclusively on the BBC. If you’re a fan of streaming entertainment, stay tuned for more updates from io9 on upcoming releases from Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, and so much more!