Chicken Run sequel on the way from Aardman Animations

Chicken Run sequel? Yes, one is on the way from Aardman Animations according to an announcement which marks the 20th Anniversary of the film’s theatrical release.

Well, technically, yesterday was the film’s release anniversary in the US, but for the UK it was June 30th 2000. However, they put out this press release:

“23rd June marks the 20th anniversary of Aardman’s much-loved feature film Chicken Run, which was first released on this day in 2000 and still remains the highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time!

The sequel to Chicken Run is expected to go into full production in 2021 and the exciting new adventure will be released globally by Netflix (excluding China).

Peter Lord, Aardman Co-Founder and Creative Director says: “Fans around the world have waited patiently for a sequel idea worthy of Chicken Run so we’re delighted to announce, on the 20th anniversary, that we’ve found the perfect story. Netflix feels like the ideal creative partner for this project too: they celebrate the film-maker, which means we can make the film we want to make – the one we really care about – and share it with a global audience.”

Having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has finally found her dream – a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world. When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat. For Ginger and her team, even if it means putting their own hard-won freedom at risk – this time, they’re breaking in!

The Chicken Run sequel is directed by Sam Fell (Flushed Away, ParaNorman) and produced by Steve Pegram (Arthur Christmas) and Leyla Hobart. Peter Lord, Carla Shelley and Karey Kirkpatrick will be returning as executive producers. The script is written by Karey Kirkpatrick, John O’Farrell and Rachel Tunnard, while Nick Park (creator of Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep) will have a consulting role on the film.

Original distributors Studiocanal and Pathé closed a deal with Aardman to allow the transfer of the sequel rights to Netflix.

Also, word has it that Mel Gibson’s part is also being revoiced from the original because, y’know… reasons. At the moment, there’s various allegations, but everyone’s meant to be innocent until proven guilty. The media often seem to think otherwsie, though.