CHICKEN RUN 2: Netflix Developing Sequel to 2000 Stop-Motion Animated Film

“Chicken Run” studio Aardman announces production to begin next year

A sequel to the 2000 stop-motion animation hit Chicken Run is in development at Netflix. Aardman, the U.K.-based animation studio behind the original, confirmed the announcement today to coincide with original’s 20th anniversary.

“Fans around the world have waited patiently for a sequel idea worthy of Chicken Run so we’re delighted to announce…that we’ve found the perfect story,” said Peter Lord, the creative director and co-founder of Aardman.

A sequel was first announced back in April of 2018, but today’s press release seems to confirm that production is definitely moving forward. The film will go into production in 2021 and will see a global release through Netflix, who obtained the sequel rights from original distributors Pathé and Studiocanal. No word if Chicken Run 2 will see a silver screen run or if Netflix will opt for streaming only.

POULTRY NEWS: Exactly 20 years to the day since the original was released, we can confirm there will be a Chicken Run sequel coming to Netflix!! Produced by @aardman, production is expected to begin next year. Eggsellent.

— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) June 23, 2020

“Netflix feels like the ideal creative partner for this project too,” Lord elaborated. “[T]hey 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.”

The sequel doesn’t have a specific release date yet. However, considering the lengthy process of stop-motion animation, it will still be a while before Chicken Run 2 comes home to roost.

The sequel’s synopsis, according to Aardman’s press release, is as follows:

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!

Sam Fell will direct the film, while Steve Pegram and Leyla Hobart will produce for Aardman. Lord, Carla Shelley, and Karey Kirkpatrick will executive-produce, and Kirkpatrick, John O’Farrell, and Rachel Tunnard will write the script. Aardman staple Nick Park will serve as a creative consultant.

The original featured the voice talents of Julia Sawalha, Imelda Staunton, Timothy Spall, Miranda Richardson, Phil Daniels, and Benjamin Whitrow, but it’s unknown if any of them will be returning for the sequel. Mel Gibson also appeared in the original as the character Rocky, but according to The Wrap he will not be returning for the sequel.

Chicken Run was first released in the U.S. by DreamWorks on June 23, 2000. It still holds the record for the highest-grossing stop-motion animated feature of all time, with a nearly $225M worldwide gross.

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