Gromit Finally Speaks as Martin Freeman Narrates ‘Grand The Autobiography of Gromit’

For years, one of animation’s most beloved characters has communicated solely through expressive gestures. Gromit, the loyal dog from ‘Wallace & Gromit’, has never uttered a word, leaving fans curious about his voice. That mystery has finally been unveiled, and the revelation is sure to delight longtime followers.

This exciting news coincides with a unique publishing venture. Gromit has penned an autobiography, and the audiobook will mark the first time the silent canine has a voice.

Actor Martin Freeman will lend his voice to the audiobook edition of ‘Grand: The Autobiography of Gromit’, giving the cherished dog a voice for the very first time. A brief teaser video circulating online features the text “Yes, I’m a dog,” mirroring the opening line of the book. The recording took place earlier this month at Penguin Studios.

Nick Park, the creator of the iconic characters, explained his casting choice by pondering who could voice a character that everyone feels they know but has never been heard. The more he considered it, the more Freeman seemed like the perfect fit, and he expressed his excitement and honor when the actor agreed to take on the role.

Gromit’s voice has been revealed. https://t.co/50MRQiWnC3

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 9, 2026

Park emphasized that Freeman is not performing a traditional Gromit voice. Instead, the actor narrates Gromit’s story as the dog himself would tell it. This approach suggests a warm, understated delivery rather than a comedic character voice, aligning with a character known for his subtle reactions.

This method is fitting for a character whose essence has always been conveyed through facial expressions rather than dialogue. Park, a four-time Oscar winner, has dedicated decades to crafting that silent comedy, so maintaining its integrity is clearly important to him.

The book, announced by Aardman in June, is credited to Gromit “as told to” Nick Park. This marks Gromit’s first book, detailing his life story in his own words. It covers topics such as the Techno Trousers, his thoughts on gnomes, and what the moon tastes like, along with a new adventure.

In an excerpt from the announcement, Gromit begins with, “Yes. I’m a dog. And you’re reading a book written by a dog.” Park remarked that the book promises to be “a deep dish of doggy nuggets and wisdom to chew on.”

According to the publisher’s description, the memoir is narrated by Gromit and presented to Park. Gromit shares insights into his inner life and claims to know where the bones are buried. Although Wallace is meant to be the focus, he is preoccupied with an invention, allowing Gromit to finally take center stage.

This setup cleverly flips the usual dynamic where Wallace does the talking and Gromit merely sighs. It also hints at the humor that listeners can expect from the audiobook, which promises a blend of dry wit and genuine emotion.

The audiobook and ebook will be available on Oct. 22, with preorders already open at major retailers. The hardback edition will follow on Nov. 24, and the ebook spans 272 pages. The book is published by Ebury in collaboration with Aardman, while the audiobook is produced by Penguin Audio.

For fans eager to see Park in person, he will also be featured at ‘An Evening with Nick Park: The Wrong Trousers and Other Stories’, a pre-publication event at Barbican Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 14.

Gromit’s enduring appeal lies in his silence. His lack of words has made him one of the most recognizable figures in animation, and any decision to alter that was bound to be significant. By framing the voice as narration rather than a character transformation, the team seems committed to preserving what makes him unique.

Casting a well-known actor like Freeman ensures substantial attention, and Park has expressed his genuine excitement about this choice.

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