Gromit to Speak for First Time in Audiobook

Gromit, the loyal and ever-watchful canine companion to inventor Wallace, is set to break his decades-long silence. Actor Martin Freeman has been tapped to voice the character in the audiobook edition of his autobiography, titled "Grand: The Autobiography Of Gromit." Freeman, known for his roles as Bilbo Baggins in "The Hobbit" trilogy and John Watson in "Sherlock," will bring the famously mute dog's inner thoughts and witticisms to life.

Nick Park, the creator of the "Wallace & Gromit" claymation series, explained the casting choice. "When you create a character who has no voice, what do you do when your publisher reminds you there'll be an audiobook?" Park said. "Who could possibly voice a character everyone feels they know but nobody's actually heard? The more I thought about it, the more I realised Martin Freeman was the obvious choice."

Park elaborated that Freeman will not be adopting a traditional "Gromit voice" but rather will be reading Gromit's story as if relaying his "inner thoughts, candid insights and endless witticisms," infusing the narration with his characteristic color, thoughtfulness, and wry humor.

The "Wallace & Gromit" franchise, which began in 1989 with "A Grand Day Out," features the adventures of a good-natured inventor and his intelligent dog. The franchise includes four short films, two feature films, and various television adaptations and spin-offs.

Freeman's extensive acting credits also include playing Tim Canterbury in the original UK version of "The Office" and Everett K Ross in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He first gained widespread recognition for his role as Tim Canterbury in the British sitcom "The Office" from 2001 to 2003.

"Grand: The Autobiography Of Gromit" is scheduled for release on October 22 and is currently available for pre-order.