Martin Freeman is set to voice Gromit for the audiobook edition of Grand: The Autobiography of Gromit, giving the famously silent Wallace & Gromit character a voice for the first time in his 37-year history.

Written by Wallace & Gromit creator Nick Park, the book will reveal the thoughts, personal experiences and witty observations of Wallace’s intelligent canine companion. Gromit has never spoken in the animated films, instead communicating through his expressive face and reactions to Wallace’s often chaotic inventions.

Park said Freeman was the obvious choice to narrate the audiobook, explaining that he was delighted when the actor agreed to take on the role. Rather than creating a distinct voice for Gromit, Freeman will read the character’s story as though sharing his own inner thoughts, bringing his trademark wit and understated humour to the narration.

Freeman is best known for playing Dr John Watson in Sherlock, opposite Benedict Cumberbatch, as well as Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit trilogy. He first gained widespread recognition as Tim Canterbury in the original British version of The Office and has since appeared in several major film and television productions.

Grand: The Autobiography of Gromit promises to explore the character’s life alongside Wallace, including his views on garden gnomes, his adventures and other previously untold stories. The audiobook is scheduled for release on October 22, 2026, with the printed hardback edition due on November 24.