Chicken Run sequel starring Thandiwe Newton and Zachary Levi hatching at Netflix

Some of Aardman’s most beloved stop-motion animated characters are planning a comeback! Netflix announced today that a Chicken Run sequel and a new Wallace and Gromit film are in development. Aardman’s Chicken Run sequel is titled Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, which stars Thandiwe Newton as the voice of Ginger, Zachary Levi as Rocky, Bella Ramsey, Jane Horrocks, Imelda Staunton, Lynn Ferguson, Josie Sedgwick-Davies, David Bradley, Romesh Ranganathan, Daniel Mays, and Nick Mohammed. Newton will replace Julia Sawalha as Ginger, with Levi replacing Mel Gibson as the voice of Rocky the Rooster.

In addition to revealing the title and cast, Netflix also shared an official synopsis for Aardman’s Chicken Run sequel:

Set shortly after the death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm in the original, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget sees Ginger having 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 (Flushed Away) directs Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget from a script by Karey Kirkpatrick, John O’Farrell, and Rachel Tunnard. Producers are Steve Pegram (Arthur Christmas) and Leyla Hobart. Executive producers include Peter Lord, Carla Shelley, Karey Kirkpatrick, and Nick Park.

Released by DreamWorks Pictures, Chicken Run centers on a flock of chickens who think their only hope of escape from incarceration is for a hotshot rooster to teach them how to fly. In addition to being a beautifully animated film, Chicken Run presents a gripping commentary on the act of imprisonment and toppling of those who rule with an iron grip.

In addition to its Chicken Run sequel, Netflix also announced a new stop-motion animated film featuring Wallace and Gromit. According to Variety, the as-yet-untitled film focuses on Gromit’s concern that Wallace has become over-dependant on his inventions, which proves justified when Wallace invents a “smart gnome” that seems to develop a mind of its own. As events spiral out of control, it falls to Gromit to put aside his qualms and battle sinister forces or Wallace may never be able to invent again.

The new Wallace and Gromit film will be directed by Park and Merlin Crossingham (creative director of the Wallace & Gromit franchise and animation director, Early Man) with the story written by Park and Mark Burton (Madagascar, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Shaun the Sheep Movie). The screenplay is by Burton. The film is produced by Claire Jennings (Coraline).

Oh, Aardman, how nice of you to announce two new projects the day after my birthday. You certainly know who to spoil a stop-motion animation fan on his special day. I’ve been waiting years for a Chicken Run sequel, and the world could always do with some more Wallace and Gromit. Let’s put the kettle on, procure a fine wheel of cheese, and dig in!