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Comedian’s Improvised Line Causes a Stir in ‘Vengeance Most Fowl’
The beloved stop-motion duo Wallace and Gromit made a triumphant return this Christmas with Vengeance Most Fowl, a new special featuring the comeback of the menacing Feathers McGraw. Released on December 25, 2024, this marks the first Wallace and Gromit project in a decade and the first since the passing of Peter Sallis, the original voice of Wallace, in 2017.
Taking over as Wallace is Ben Whitehead, joined by an impressive voice cast that includes Reece Shearsmith, Lauren Patel, Diane Morgan, and comedian Peter Kay, who voices Chief Inspector Mackintosh. However, Kay’s signature humor sparked some confusion among Netflix executives in the United States due to an improvised line.
During a recording session, Kay’s character exclaims, “Flippin’ Nora!” — a quintessentially British phrase that baffled the American team. Co-director Nick Park shared the amusing anecdote with The Sun: “Peter ad-libs quite a lot. At one point, he shouts: ‘Flippin’ Nora.’ We got a note from Netflix US asking, ‘Who is Nora and why is she being flipped?’”
Merlin Crossingham, the film’s co-director, explained that they assured the US team the phrase wasn’t offensive but merely a harmless British colloquialism.
Kay’s role in Vengeance Most Fowl sees Chief Inspector Mackintosh promoted from his previous rank of police constable, a character he first portrayed in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. A household name in British comedy, Kay is celebrated for iconic series such as Phoenix Nights, Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere, and Car Share.
After a 12-year break from the comedy circuit, Kay announced his return in November, thrilling fans with a new comedy tour. His involvement in Vengeance Most Fowl adds to the festive delight of Wallace and Gromit’s eagerly awaited return, blending nostalgia with humor that continues to charm audiences worldwide.
