The first book in the beloved Stitch Head series, written by Guy Bass and illustrated by Pete Williamson, has been adapted for feature-length animation by Gringo Films in co-production with Fabrique D’Images, Senator Film Produktion and Traumhaus Studios in Association with GFM Animation and will hit cinemas across the UK in early 2026, distributed by Kazoo Films.

Stitch Head, the first, but now long-forgotten, creation of the eccentric Professor Erasmus works to keep his master’s monstrous creatures safe inside the walls of Castle Grotteskew. Until a travelling circus ringmaster knocks at the castle door, promising to make Stitch Head a star. Stitch Head’s story is heart-warming, often hilarious, but ultimately an ode to the often overlooked who might just have what it takes to be a hero, if only they can believe in themselves.

Starring Asa Butterfield as the eponymous Stitch Head, the stellar voice cast is rounded out by Joel Fry, Alison Steadman, Rob Brydon, Tia Bannon, Fern Brady and Jamali Maddix. The film, adapted and directed by Steve Hudson, premiered in June at the prestigious Annecy Animation Film Festival where it was part of the official selection. Briarcliff Entertainment are handling North American theatrical distribution with the film receiving a wide release from 29th October 2025.

Stitch Head was first published in the UK by Little Tiger (then under the Stripes imprint) in 2011 and has been a much-loved series ever since. There are six titles in the original chapter book series and the graphic novel adaptation of the first book was published in February 2024, with the second following this year and the third currently in development. The chapter books are published by Little Tiger’s US imprint, Tiger Tales, in North America and the first graphic novel was published by Random Graphic in July this year. Little Tiger will publish a film tie-in edition of the first novel featuring animation stills on 8th January 2026.

GFM Animation has achieved a wide global release for the film across multiple territories, which has regenerated interest in the books with international publishers, resulting in many translation licenses being renewed ahead of the film’s release in these territories.

Guy Bass said:

What a monstrous treat to see Stitch Head be brought to almost-life on screen. It’s action-packed, funny, touching and creepily comedic, and filled with more twists, turns and dark corners than I ever imagined. Stitch Head and the other monsters behave, speak and move like they do in my head – seeing the film is like running into old friends! PRESS RELEASE

Lauren Ace, Editorial Director for Fiction at Little Tiger said:

At a time when children reading for pleasure is of critical concern, films can be a wonderful entry point to bring children back to the original source material of their favourite on-screen characters. Steve Hudson’s masterful adaptation is so faithful to Guy and Pete’s wonderful creations that I know young readers, and their parents, will delight in discovering there are more adventures waiting for them in the pages of the books that inspired this cinematic triumph.