Rocky, Ginger and their family’s newest member Molly lead the charge in a fight to free their fellow chickens from a deadly nugget plot in the first full trailer for Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.
Hailing from the Academy and BAFTA award-winning Aardman animation studio and Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated director Sam Fell, it’s the long-awaited follow-up to the highest-grossing stop-motion animated film ever, Chicken Run.
After pulling off their escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger (Thandiwe Newton) and Rocky (Zachary Levi) have built a life on an island away from the human world — a sanctuary alongside the flock with their newest hatch, Molly (Bella Ramsey). “We’ve put the past behind us,” Ginger says in the two-and-a-half-minute trailer. “We have to think about Molly now.”
A curious Molly is unaware of the world across the water, the place her parents and community fled from, with Ginger fearing for her daughter.
Hailing from the Academy and BAFTA award-winning Aardman animation studio and Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated director Sam Fell, it’s the long-awaited follow-up to the highest-grossing stop-motion animated film ever, Chicken Run.
After pulling off their escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger (Thandiwe Newton) and Rocky (Zachary Levi) have built a life on an island away from the human world — a sanctuary alongside the flock with their newest hatch, Molly (Bella Ramsey). “We’ve put the past behind us,” Ginger says in the two-and-a-half-minute trailer. “We have to think about Molly now.”
A curious Molly is unaware of the world across the water, the place her parents and community fled from, with Ginger fearing for her daughter.
- 11/15/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Although the holidays would usually call for chicken pies, this December sees the dawn of the chicken nugget. The team at Aardman that brought us the beloved children’s show Wallace & Gromit returns to their poultry pals in the new Netflix sequel to the 2000 stop-motion animated film Chicken Run.
The official synopsis from Netflix reads,
“From the multi Academy and BAFTA award-winning Aardman, and Academy Award® and BAFTA-nominated director Sam Fell, comes Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the beloved and highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time, Chicken Run. 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...
The official synopsis from Netflix reads,
“From the multi Academy and BAFTA award-winning Aardman, and Academy Award® and BAFTA-nominated director Sam Fell, comes Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the beloved and highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time, Chicken Run. 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...
- 11/15/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Who let the chickens out?
Animated sequel “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,” directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sam Fell, continues the saga of the chicks behind Tweedy’s farm. After “Chicken Run” became the highest grossing stop-motion animated film of all-time, its highly-anticipated sequel picks up with Ginger (Thandiwe Newton) after escaping the slaughterhouse and finding paradise. With a new chick in tow (Bella Ramsey), Ginger is living her ideal life…that is, until her land may become threatened.
The official synopsis reads: “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 (Zachary Levi) hatch a little girl called Molly (Ramsey), 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,...
Animated sequel “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,” directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sam Fell, continues the saga of the chicks behind Tweedy’s farm. After “Chicken Run” became the highest grossing stop-motion animated film of all-time, its highly-anticipated sequel picks up with Ginger (Thandiwe Newton) after escaping the slaughterhouse and finding paradise. With a new chick in tow (Bella Ramsey), Ginger is living her ideal life…that is, until her land may become threatened.
The official synopsis reads: “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 (Zachary Levi) hatch a little girl called Molly (Ramsey), 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,...
- 11/15/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the sequel to Aardman Animation’s 2000 stop-motion hit, is arriving 23 years after the original. Mused director Sam Fell during a panel at Deadline’s Contenders London, “At the end of the first one, you’re kind of a bit sick of chickens. It takes about three or four years to make these things so I think everyone wanted to do new things.”
At the time, he also remarked, “Animated sequels weren’t a big thing back then, Toy Story 2 was probably the first great animated sequel.”
A follow-up had been “in the background” and there were “brainstorming sessions,” but the original Chicken Run “is so brilliant, you can’t do something less than that,” Fell said.
Fast-forward to 2016 and Fell ran into the previous film’s co-director Peter Lord who told him, “We’ve got it, we figured it out.” The trick was a single line: “This time,...
At the time, he also remarked, “Animated sequels weren’t a big thing back then, Toy Story 2 was probably the first great animated sequel.”
A follow-up had been “in the background” and there were “brainstorming sessions,” but the original Chicken Run “is so brilliant, you can’t do something less than that,” Fell said.
Fast-forward to 2016 and Fell ran into the previous film’s co-director Peter Lord who told him, “We’ve got it, we figured it out.” The trick was a single line: “This time,...
- 10/7/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
The makers of the hit children’s program Wallace & Gromit return to the stop-motion animation world with a sequel to their 2000 film, Chicken Run. Instead of escaping, in Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, they will be breaking into a new high-tech facility.
The official synopsis from Netflix reads,
“From the multi Academy and BAFTA award-winning Aardman, and Academy Award® and BAFTA-nominated director Sam Fell, comes Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the beloved and highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time, Chicken Run. 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.
The official synopsis from Netflix reads,
“From the multi Academy and BAFTA award-winning Aardman, and Academy Award® and BAFTA-nominated director Sam Fell, comes Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the beloved and highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time, Chicken Run. 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.
- 9/5/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Netflix has unveiled more cast, trailer (see below) and first-looks for its highly-anticipated Chicken Run sequel.
UK comic actor Peter Serafinowicz will play Reginald Smith in Dawn of the Nugget, while Miranda Richardson is reprising her role as archvillain Mrs Tweedy.
From multi-Academy and BAFTA-winning Aardman, Dawn of the Nugget comes more than 20 years after its hugely-popular predecessor. A trailer today gives more of a flavor of what viewers can expect when it launches on December 15. The movie follows Ginger, who, having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, 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.
Aardman/Netflix © 2023
Dawn of the Nugget features...
UK comic actor Peter Serafinowicz will play Reginald Smith in Dawn of the Nugget, while Miranda Richardson is reprising her role as archvillain Mrs Tweedy.
From multi-Academy and BAFTA-winning Aardman, Dawn of the Nugget comes more than 20 years after its hugely-popular predecessor. A trailer today gives more of a flavor of what viewers can expect when it launches on December 15. The movie follows Ginger, who, having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, 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.
Aardman/Netflix © 2023
Dawn of the Nugget features...
- 9/5/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has released the trailer for the sequel to the 2000 stop-motion animated comedy, “Chicken Run.” The upcoming feature, titled “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,” is set to premiere this December.
Featuring an all-new voice cast, “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget” follows Ginger (Thandiwe Newton), as she sets up a peaceful sanctuary far from the human world having recently escaped from the evil Tweedy farm. Finally, with the hatching of Molly (Bella Ramsey), Ginger and Rocky (Zachary Levi) seem to have their “happily ever after.” But, unknown to them, outside their peaceful world chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat.
Newton takes over the role of Ginger from “Absolutely Fabulous” actor Julia Sawalha while Levi steps in for Mel Gibson, who voiced Rocky in the first movie. One voice actor who will be returning is Miranda Richardson (“Good Omens”), who is back as arch villain Mrs Tweedy. She will...
Featuring an all-new voice cast, “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget” follows Ginger (Thandiwe Newton), as she sets up a peaceful sanctuary far from the human world having recently escaped from the evil Tweedy farm. Finally, with the hatching of Molly (Bella Ramsey), Ginger and Rocky (Zachary Levi) seem to have their “happily ever after.” But, unknown to them, outside their peaceful world chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat.
Newton takes over the role of Ginger from “Absolutely Fabulous” actor Julia Sawalha while Levi steps in for Mel Gibson, who voiced Rocky in the first movie. One voice actor who will be returning is Miranda Richardson (“Good Omens”), who is back as arch villain Mrs Tweedy. She will...
- 9/5/2023
- by K.J. Yossman and Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
After years of waiting to come out of its shell, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is ready to hatch. Aardman‘s long-awaited sequel will premiere at the London Film Festival on October 14 at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall as part of the festival’s annual Mayor of London gala. Additionally, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget will screen in film houses across the UK, with the sequel’s Netflix global premiere set for December 15, 2023.
The voice cast of Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget includes Thandiwe Newton as Ginger, Zachary Levi as Rocky Rhodes, Bella Ramsey as Molly, Romesh Ranganathan as Nick, Daniel Mays as Fetcher, David Bradley as Fowler, Jane Horrocks as Babs, Imelda Staunton as Bunty, Lynn Ferguson as Mac, Josie Sedgwick-Davies as Frizzle, and Nick Mohammed as Dr. Fry.
In June, Phil Lord said that he and Aardman co-founder Nick Park had discussed various...
The voice cast of Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget includes Thandiwe Newton as Ginger, Zachary Levi as Rocky Rhodes, Bella Ramsey as Molly, Romesh Ranganathan as Nick, Daniel Mays as Fetcher, David Bradley as Fowler, Jane Horrocks as Babs, Imelda Staunton as Bunty, Lynn Ferguson as Mac, Josie Sedgwick-Davies as Frizzle, and Nick Mohammed as Dr. Fry.
In June, Phil Lord said that he and Aardman co-founder Nick Park had discussed various...
- 8/23/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Rebranding
Germany’s Leonine Studios has rebranded its television subsidiary Odeon Entertainment as Madame Zheng Production to reflect its primary focus of “equality and diversity in every aspect of the production business, both in front of and behind the camera.” Tina Wagner, previously producer and executive producer at RedSeven Entertainment, and Nina Etspüler, co-head of entertainment at Leonine Studios, are joining the management team and will lead the company under Wagner’s direction along with Martin Schneider, Odeon Entertainment’s long-standing managing director.
Fred Kogel, CEO and co-head of entertainment at Leonine Studios, said: “Ever since Nina Etspüler joined Leonine in Jan. 2021, we have jointly pursued the goal of establishing a production brand that advocates for equality and diversity in front of and behind the camera, in order to firmly anchor these themes, which are essential for Leonine Studios, in the production market. The entertainment sector in Germany, in particular,...
Germany’s Leonine Studios has rebranded its television subsidiary Odeon Entertainment as Madame Zheng Production to reflect its primary focus of “equality and diversity in every aspect of the production business, both in front of and behind the camera.” Tina Wagner, previously producer and executive producer at RedSeven Entertainment, and Nina Etspüler, co-head of entertainment at Leonine Studios, are joining the management team and will lead the company under Wagner’s direction along with Martin Schneider, Odeon Entertainment’s long-standing managing director.
Fred Kogel, CEO and co-head of entertainment at Leonine Studios, said: “Ever since Nina Etspüler joined Leonine in Jan. 2021, we have jointly pursued the goal of establishing a production brand that advocates for equality and diversity in front of and behind the camera, in order to firmly anchor these themes, which are essential for Leonine Studios, in the production market. The entertainment sector in Germany, in particular,...
- 3/15/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Aardman’s beloved characters Wallace and Gromit are returning in a new BBC and Netflix film and Ginger and Rocky from “Chicken Run” (2000) in a Netflix sequel.
With a box office gross of nearly $225 million, “Chicken Run” is the highest grossing stop-motion film of all time. The sequel, “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,” follows Ginger, who, having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, has set up 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.
The cast includes Thandiwe Newton (Ginger), Zachary Levi (Rocky), Bella Ramsey, Jane Horrocks, Imelda Staunton, Lynn Ferguson, Josie Sedgwick-Davies, David Bradley, Romesh Ranganathan, Daniel Mays and Nick Mohammed. Sam Fell (“Flushed Away”) directs...
With a box office gross of nearly $225 million, “Chicken Run” is the highest grossing stop-motion film of all time. The sequel, “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,” follows Ginger, who, having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, has set up 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.
The cast includes Thandiwe Newton (Ginger), Zachary Levi (Rocky), Bella Ramsey, Jane Horrocks, Imelda Staunton, Lynn Ferguson, Josie Sedgwick-Davies, David Bradley, Romesh Ranganathan, Daniel Mays and Nick Mohammed. Sam Fell (“Flushed Away”) directs...
- 1/20/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
In Aardman’s half-hour stop-motion comedy film “Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas,” Timmy the lamb finds himself whisked off on an adventure to the local town, hidden in a large parcel, and thence onward to the house of Ben the farmer, his wife Jin and their daughter Ella. Shaun and the flock must mount a daring rescue. The making of the animated show was also an adventure, producer Richard Beek and director Steve Cox tell Variety.
The film – which airs on TV networks in 17 territories, including the BBC in the U.K., ABC in Australia, France TV and Germany’s Wdr, and streams on Netflix in the rest of the world, including the U.S. – had to be produced during the pandemic to a tight schedule and with a limited budget. Executive producers were Mark Burton, Sarah Cox and Carla Shelley.
The endeavor began in 2018 when Burton and...
The film – which airs on TV networks in 17 territories, including the BBC in the U.K., ABC in Australia, France TV and Germany’s Wdr, and streams on Netflix in the rest of the world, including the U.S. – had to be produced during the pandemic to a tight schedule and with a limited budget. Executive producers were Mark Burton, Sarah Cox and Carla Shelley.
The endeavor began in 2018 when Burton and...
- 12/24/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Julia Sawalha, one of the stars of the 2000 Aardman Animation classic “Chicken Run,” said Thursday she was not asked to return to the recently announced sequel because producers thought her voice now sounds “too old.”
In a statement shared Thursday, Sawalha said that an actress normally would be allowed to do a voice test to prove they can still match the pitch and tone of the original character, but she said she was informed by producers without being given that chance.
In response, she recorded her own voice demonstration and shared it with producers and posted it to Vimeo, in which she mimics the lines of her character Ginger from the original “Chicken Run.” You can listen to Sawalha’s demo here.
Also Read: Mel Gibson's Role in 'Chicken Run' Sequel Will Be Recast
“I went to great lengths to prove to the production that my voice...
In a statement shared Thursday, Sawalha said that an actress normally would be allowed to do a voice test to prove they can still match the pitch and tone of the original character, but she said she was informed by producers without being given that chance.
In response, she recorded her own voice demonstration and shared it with producers and posted it to Vimeo, in which she mimics the lines of her character Ginger from the original “Chicken Run.” You can listen to Sawalha’s demo here.
Also Read: Mel Gibson's Role in 'Chicken Run' Sequel Will Be Recast
“I went to great lengths to prove to the production that my voice...
- 7/10/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Though a sequel to the Aardman stop-motion animated film “Chicken Run” is in the works, one of the original film’s voice actors Mel Gibson will not return, two individuals with knowledge of the production told TheWrap.
Because the “Chicken Run” sequel will go into production next year, one individual explains it’s too early to know about voice casting for an animated film, but Gibson, who voiced the character Rocky in the film from 2000, is not expected to be asked back for the sequel.
It’s also unclear if any of the other voice actors from the original film, which also included Julia Sawalha, Phil Daniels, Imelda Staunton and Timothy Spall, will return for the sequel.
Also Read: Winona Ryder Calls Out Hollywood Anti-Semitism, Repeats Mel Gibson's 'Oven Dodger' Comments
The film, which will be distributed by Netflix and will go into production next year, will pick up the...
Because the “Chicken Run” sequel will go into production next year, one individual explains it’s too early to know about voice casting for an animated film, but Gibson, who voiced the character Rocky in the film from 2000, is not expected to be asked back for the sequel.
It’s also unclear if any of the other voice actors from the original film, which also included Julia Sawalha, Phil Daniels, Imelda Staunton and Timothy Spall, will return for the sequel.
Also Read: Winona Ryder Calls Out Hollywood Anti-Semitism, Repeats Mel Gibson's 'Oven Dodger' Comments
The film, which will be distributed by Netflix and will go into production next year, will pick up the...
- 6/23/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Twenty years after the release of the stop-motion animated hit “Chicken Run,” Aardman studio on Tuesday announced that a sequel will go into production next year for distribution by Netflix (excluding China).
The film will pick up the story of the chickens who pulled off an escape from Tweedy’s farm in the original film where Ginger (voiced in the original by Julia Sawalha) 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!
It’s unclear if Mel Gibson, who voiced escape-plan leader Rocky in the original,...
The film will pick up the story of the chickens who pulled off an escape from Tweedy’s farm in the original film where Ginger (voiced in the original by Julia Sawalha) 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!
It’s unclear if Mel Gibson, who voiced escape-plan leader Rocky in the original,...
- 6/23/2020
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
Oscar-winning animation outfit reveals plot details on film’s 20th anniversary.
Netflix has swooped on stop-motion animation sequel Chicken Run 2, which UK animation powerhouse Aardman will begin making in 2021.
The streaming giant will release the film globally, excluding China, and was announced during an ’Annecy Making Of’ panel on the animation festival’s digital platform.
It also marks the 20th anniversary of the release of Chicken Run, which is the highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time, grossing $224.8m worldwide following its release in 2000.
The sequel will be directed by Sam Fell, produced by Steve Pegram and scripted by Karey Kirkpatrick,...
Netflix has swooped on stop-motion animation sequel Chicken Run 2, which UK animation powerhouse Aardman will begin making in 2021.
The streaming giant will release the film globally, excluding China, and was announced during an ’Annecy Making Of’ panel on the animation festival’s digital platform.
It also marks the 20th anniversary of the release of Chicken Run, which is the highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time, grossing $224.8m worldwide following its release in 2000.
The sequel will be directed by Sam Fell, produced by Steve Pegram and scripted by Karey Kirkpatrick,...
- 6/23/2020
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
Chicken Run became the highest-grossing stop-motion animation film of all-time when it premiered in 2000 — and now its sequel is bounding into the arms of Netflix.
To celebrate 20 years to the day since the original was released, Netflix announced on Tuesday that it has swooped for the follow-up to the Aardman film. Production is set to begin next year.
Netflix tweeted: “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 has taken the rights to the sequel outside of China from Studiocanal and Pathé after Aardman first announced in 2018 that it was working with the companies on a second film.
The original starred Mel Gibson and Julia Sawalha as Rocky and Ginger, who led the escape efforts of a group of chickens, bidding...
To celebrate 20 years to the day since the original was released, Netflix announced on Tuesday that it has swooped for the follow-up to the Aardman film. Production is set to begin next year.
Netflix tweeted: “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 has taken the rights to the sequel outside of China from Studiocanal and Pathé after Aardman first announced in 2018 that it was working with the companies on a second film.
The original starred Mel Gibson and Julia Sawalha as Rocky and Ginger, who led the escape efforts of a group of chickens, bidding...
- 6/23/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
20 years to the day after its theatrical release, Aardman Animation Studios has confirmed it will produce a “Chicken Run” sequel, this time backed by Netflix, who will distribute the film globally outside of China.
The sequel announcement was delivered during an Annecy Making Of panel on the festival’s digital platform. The sequel has long been rumored, though Netflix’s involvement is major news.
A Netflix release that coincided with the presentation explained that Studiocanal — which has financed, distributed and sold Aardman productions since 2015’s “Shaun the Sheep Movie” — and Pathé, which backed the original, have closed a deal with Aardman to allow the transfer of the sequel rights to the global streaming giant.
Two decades after its release, “Chicken Run” remains the highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time and was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 2000 Oscars. The first time around, Aardman’s legendary award-winning stop-motion innovators...
The sequel announcement was delivered during an Annecy Making Of panel on the festival’s digital platform. The sequel has long been rumored, though Netflix’s involvement is major news.
A Netflix release that coincided with the presentation explained that Studiocanal — which has financed, distributed and sold Aardman productions since 2015’s “Shaun the Sheep Movie” — and Pathé, which backed the original, have closed a deal with Aardman to allow the transfer of the sequel rights to the global streaming giant.
Two decades after its release, “Chicken Run” remains the highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time and was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 2000 Oscars. The first time around, Aardman’s legendary award-winning stop-motion innovators...
- 6/23/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Updated with Netflix details: Aardman Animations is cooking up a Christmas caper for Shaun the Sheep, which is set to premiere on BBC One in 2021. Netflix has also picked up the animation title in the U.S., Latin America, Spain, Cis and Greece.
A Winter’s Tale From Shaun the Sheep (working title) will follow Shaun as his seasonal excitement turns sour when a farmhouse raid to get bigger stockings for the flock leads to baby lamb Timmy going missing.
The 30-minute episode will go into production in late 2020 and is created by Giles Pilbrow and Mark Burton, with the script written by Pilbrow. Steve Cox is the director, while Richard Beek produces. The executive producers are Mark Burton, Sarah Cox and Carla Shelley.
Sue Deeks, the BBC’s head of program acquisition, said: “Aardman lovingly produce stories with warmth, personality and humor, so we are truly delighted that, following...
A Winter’s Tale From Shaun the Sheep (working title) will follow Shaun as his seasonal excitement turns sour when a farmhouse raid to get bigger stockings for the flock leads to baby lamb Timmy going missing.
The 30-minute episode will go into production in late 2020 and is created by Giles Pilbrow and Mark Burton, with the script written by Pilbrow. Steve Cox is the director, while Richard Beek produces. The executive producers are Mark Burton, Sarah Cox and Carla Shelley.
Sue Deeks, the BBC’s head of program acquisition, said: “Aardman lovingly produce stories with warmth, personality and humor, so we are truly delighted that, following...
- 2/6/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The Oscar-winning animation studio Aardman has joined the Netflix fold. The two companies announced today they will team up for “A Winter’s Tale From Shaun the Sheep,” a half-hour special to air during the 2021 holiday season.
The news arrives just before the Valentine’s Day Netflix release of “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon.” The sci-fi comedy is the sequel to Aardman’s Oscar-nominated “Shaun the Sheep Movie” (2015), which grossed $106 million at the international box office. Though the holiday special is clearly courting comparisons to William Shakespeare with its sheepish title, the official synopsis doesn’t bear a whole lot of resemblance to the bard’s late-career comedy.
The official synopsis for “A Winter’s Tale From Shaun the Sheep” reads:
“The world’s favorite sheep stars in his very own winter’s tale. Shaun’s seasonal excitement turns to dismay when a farmhouse raid to get bigger stockings...
The news arrives just before the Valentine’s Day Netflix release of “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon.” The sci-fi comedy is the sequel to Aardman’s Oscar-nominated “Shaun the Sheep Movie” (2015), which grossed $106 million at the international box office. Though the holiday special is clearly courting comparisons to William Shakespeare with its sheepish title, the official synopsis doesn’t bear a whole lot of resemblance to the bard’s late-career comedy.
The official synopsis for “A Winter’s Tale From Shaun the Sheep” reads:
“The world’s favorite sheep stars in his very own winter’s tale. Shaun’s seasonal excitement turns to dismay when a farmhouse raid to get bigger stockings...
- 2/6/2020
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
BBC One has signed up for a half-hour Christmas special of “Shaun the Sheep” from stop-motion animation specialists Aardman.
“A Winter’s Tale from Shaun the Sheep” (w/t) sees Shaun’s seasonal excitement turn to dismay when a farmhouse raid to get bigger stockings for the Flock inadvertently leads to the disappearance of his cousin Timmy.
Originally a spin off from Aardman’s hit “Wallace and Gromit” franchise, the “Shaun the Sheep” series has aired on the BBC since 2007, spawning two movies and a previous Christmas special, “Shaun the Sheep: The Farmer’s Llamas,” which aired in 2015.
The half-hour special will start shooting in late 2020, and will air at Christmas 2021.
The story of “A Winter’s Tale from Shaun the Sheep” comes from Giles Pilbrow and Mark Burton, with the script also written by Pilbrow. It is directed by Steve Cox, produced by Richard Beek and executive produced by Mark Burton,...
“A Winter’s Tale from Shaun the Sheep” (w/t) sees Shaun’s seasonal excitement turn to dismay when a farmhouse raid to get bigger stockings for the Flock inadvertently leads to the disappearance of his cousin Timmy.
Originally a spin off from Aardman’s hit “Wallace and Gromit” franchise, the “Shaun the Sheep” series has aired on the BBC since 2007, spawning two movies and a previous Christmas special, “Shaun the Sheep: The Farmer’s Llamas,” which aired in 2015.
The half-hour special will start shooting in late 2020, and will air at Christmas 2021.
The story of “A Winter’s Tale from Shaun the Sheep” comes from Giles Pilbrow and Mark Burton, with the script also written by Pilbrow. It is directed by Steve Cox, produced by Richard Beek and executive produced by Mark Burton,...
- 2/6/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
Studiocanal has launched the first full-length trailer for Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, the Aardman sequel in which a visitor from a far off galaxy arrives in the quiet town of Mossingham.
Pic is directed by Richard Phelan and Will Becher, produced by Paul Kewley and written by Mark Burton and Jon Brown, with executive producers Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, Peter Lord, Nick Park, Carla Shelley and David Sproxton. Voice cast includes Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes, Kate Harbour.
The 2015 first movie grossed $106M globally, including $19M in the U.S. Backer Studiocanal will distribute in UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand in autumn 2019. Lionsgate has U.S. rights.
In a surprise move, Bert Habets, the CEO of Euro media giant Rtl, has resigned. Thomas Rabe will take the reins while also continuing in his role as CEO of Rtl-owner Bertelsmann. According to Reuters, Habets is leaving for family...
Pic is directed by Richard Phelan and Will Becher, produced by Paul Kewley and written by Mark Burton and Jon Brown, with executive producers Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, Peter Lord, Nick Park, Carla Shelley and David Sproxton. Voice cast includes Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes, Kate Harbour.
The 2015 first movie grossed $106M globally, including $19M in the U.S. Backer Studiocanal will distribute in UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand in autumn 2019. Lionsgate has U.S. rights.
In a surprise move, Bert Habets, the CEO of Euro media giant Rtl, has resigned. Thomas Rabe will take the reins while also continuing in his role as CEO of Rtl-owner Bertelsmann. According to Reuters, Habets is leaving for family...
- 4/1/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The founders of animation studio Aardman are transferring the ownership of their multi-award-winning company to its employees. Peter Lord and David Sproxton said they are transferring ownership to staff to ensure that the company retains its independence. A majority of Aardman shares will be transferred to a trust. Senior management will remain in their positions and form an executive board.
Sproxton will stay on as managing director but look for a replacement and move into a consultancy role. Lord will stay on as creative director, focusing on film, including the upcoming “Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon” and “Chicken Run 2.”
“We’re not quitting yet, but we are preparing for our future,” Lord and Sproxton said in a statement. “This approach, the creation of an employee trust, is the best solution we have found for keeping Aardman doing what it does best, keeping the teams in place and providing continuity for our highly creative culture.
Sproxton will stay on as managing director but look for a replacement and move into a consultancy role. Lord will stay on as creative director, focusing on film, including the upcoming “Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon” and “Chicken Run 2.”
“We’re not quitting yet, but we are preparing for our future,” Lord and Sproxton said in a statement. “This approach, the creation of an employee trust, is the best solution we have found for keeping Aardman doing what it does best, keeping the teams in place and providing continuity for our highly creative culture.
- 11/12/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Leading up to the release of Arthur Christmas on Wed November 23rd, Aardman and Sony Pictures Animation are bringing the holidays early to St. Louis with the 12 Days Of Arthur Christmas! Each day they have fun activities happening throughout St. Louis for families to celebrate the holidays and the release of the film.
As Day 5 of the 12 Days Of Arthur Christmas, which is Tomorrow, Wednesday the 16th, all the meters with hats are free to the public all day!
Arthur is taking over Meters downtown to make your holiday shopping easier! Park at one of the Elf hat-covered meters and you will have a day of free parking! Open to the public. All the meters surrounding City Garden on Market and Chestnut between 8th and 10th street will be adorned w/ the hats beginning in the morning. Parking is free all day at these meters so shoppers can make their...
As Day 5 of the 12 Days Of Arthur Christmas, which is Tomorrow, Wednesday the 16th, all the meters with hats are free to the public all day!
Arthur is taking over Meters downtown to make your holiday shopping easier! Park at one of the Elf hat-covered meters and you will have a day of free parking! Open to the public. All the meters surrounding City Garden on Market and Chestnut between 8th and 10th street will be adorned w/ the hats beginning in the morning. Parking is free all day at these meters so shoppers can make their...
- 11/15/2011
- by Melissa Howland
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Who’s ever wondered how Santa delivers two billion presents in one night? In the new animated film, Arthur Christmas, imagine a city under a starlit sky. It.s Christmas Eve, and the children are nestled in their beds, dreaming of Santa on his sleigh pulled by eight beautiful reindeer. Suddenly, a shadow comes over the city. A million pinpricks of light. A million figures descend. The invasion has begun and there.s not a jingle bell to be heard.
but don.t panic. This is how Santa gets the job done every Christmas: with a huge, mile-wide, state-of-the-art sleigh with stealth cloaking technology, and a million elves, working in precision teams of three, who have 18.14 seconds to get into each house, deliver the presents, and move on to the next one.
Santa Claus is coming to town and Wamg has passes to the screening Arthur Christmas this Saturday (11/19) at Des Peres at 10Am.
but don.t panic. This is how Santa gets the job done every Christmas: with a huge, mile-wide, state-of-the-art sleigh with stealth cloaking technology, and a million elves, working in precision teams of three, who have 18.14 seconds to get into each house, deliver the presents, and move on to the next one.
Santa Claus is coming to town and Wamg has passes to the screening Arthur Christmas this Saturday (11/19) at Des Peres at 10Am.
- 11/15/2011
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Arthur (voiced by James McAvoy) in Arthur Christmas, an animated film produced by Aardman Animations for Sony Pictures Animation. Photo By: Aardman Animations for Sony Pictures Animation
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Bringing the spirit of the season early to St. Louis!
Christmas will come early to the nation’s top 25 markets as this Saturday, November 12, begins the “12 Days of Arthur Christmas,” a nationwide schedule of family fun highlighted by two special kickoff-day celebrations in New York and Los Angeles. The 12 days of events nationwide lead to the release of Arthur Christmas , the new 3D CG-animated family comedy from Aardman for Sony Pictures Animation, in theaters November 23, 2011.
Ever wonder how Santa delivers two billion presents in one night? Arthur Christmas , the new 3D CG animated family comedy, in theaters November 23, answers the question, and Aardman and Sony Pictures Animation will help residents of the nation’s...
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Bringing the spirit of the season early to St. Louis!
Christmas will come early to the nation’s top 25 markets as this Saturday, November 12, begins the “12 Days of Arthur Christmas,” a nationwide schedule of family fun highlighted by two special kickoff-day celebrations in New York and Los Angeles. The 12 days of events nationwide lead to the release of Arthur Christmas , the new 3D CG-animated family comedy from Aardman for Sony Pictures Animation, in theaters November 23, 2011.
Ever wonder how Santa delivers two billion presents in one night? Arthur Christmas , the new 3D CG animated family comedy, in theaters November 23, answers the question, and Aardman and Sony Pictures Animation will help residents of the nation’s...
- 11/10/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Santa Claus is coming to town . and this year, he.s getting a little help from Justin Bieber, Aardman Animations, and Sony Pictures Animation.
When Arthur Christmas, the 3D, CG-animated movie from Aardman for Sony Pictures Animation and Columbia Pictures, rolls into theaters on November 23rd, Bieber.s rendition of .Santa Claus Is Comin. To Town,. from his new Christmas album .Under The Mistletoe,. will play over the end credits. In addition, before the movie, moviegoers will see the exclusive music video for the song, which will premiere in theaters only with Arthur Christmas. The video will be inspired by the movie and feature footage from the film.
In addition, the album.s debut single, .Mistletoe,. will be heard in select TV spots for Arthur Christmas. Bieber.s holiday album, .Under The Mistletoe,. is a seasonal mix of traditional Christmas standards with newly-penned holiday music largely co-written by Justin. The...
When Arthur Christmas, the 3D, CG-animated movie from Aardman for Sony Pictures Animation and Columbia Pictures, rolls into theaters on November 23rd, Bieber.s rendition of .Santa Claus Is Comin. To Town,. from his new Christmas album .Under The Mistletoe,. will play over the end credits. In addition, before the movie, moviegoers will see the exclusive music video for the song, which will premiere in theaters only with Arthur Christmas. The video will be inspired by the movie and feature footage from the film.
In addition, the album.s debut single, .Mistletoe,. will be heard in select TV spots for Arthur Christmas. Bieber.s holiday album, .Under The Mistletoe,. is a seasonal mix of traditional Christmas standards with newly-penned holiday music largely co-written by Justin. The...
- 10/18/2011
- by Melissa Howland
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
“Sweet Neptune’s Briny Pants” Hugh Grant is the Pirate Captain! © Aardman Animations/Sony Pictures Animation ©2011 Ctmg, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Put down your lunch mateys for its a “plunderful life” in these Two new The Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists trailers.
(Courtesy The Guardian)
Synopsis:
Hugh Grant, starring in his first animated role, is the luxuriantly bearded Pirate Captain . a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas. With a rag-tag crew at his side (Martin Freeman, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen), and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals B…lack Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) to the much coveted Pirate Of The Year Award. It’s a quest that takes our heroes from the shores of exotic Blood Island to the foggy streets of Victorian London. Along...
Put down your lunch mateys for its a “plunderful life” in these Two new The Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists trailers.
(Courtesy The Guardian)
Synopsis:
Hugh Grant, starring in his first animated role, is the luxuriantly bearded Pirate Captain . a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas. With a rag-tag crew at his side (Martin Freeman, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen), and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals B…lack Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) to the much coveted Pirate Of The Year Award. It’s a quest that takes our heroes from the shores of exotic Blood Island to the foggy streets of Victorian London. Along...
- 7/14/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Today we have the first trailer and poster for the upcoming British/American 3-D stop-motion animated film The Pirates! Band of Misfits (aka “The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists”), featuring an all-star voice cast that includes Hugh Grant, David Tennan, Imelda Staunton, Martin Freeman, Salma Hayek, Brendan Gleeson and Jeremy Piven. The film is directed by Peter Lord, and Jeff Newitt and produced by Aardman Animations and Pathé for Sony Pictures Animation.
Here’s the official synopsis for The Pirates! Band of Misfits:
In The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists, Hugh Grant stars in his first animated role as the luxuriantly bearded Pirate Captain – a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas. With a rag-tag crew at his side (Martin Freeman, Brendan Gleeson , Russell Tovey , and Ashley Jensen), and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat...
Here’s the official synopsis for The Pirates! Band of Misfits:
In The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists, Hugh Grant stars in his first animated role as the luxuriantly bearded Pirate Captain – a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas. With a rag-tag crew at his side (Martin Freeman, Brendan Gleeson , Russell Tovey , and Ashley Jensen), and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat...
- 7/14/2011
- by Allan Ford
- Filmofilia
An Aardman Production For Sony Pictures Animation Martin Freeman, David Tennant, Imelda Staunton, Jeremy Piven, Salma Hayek, Brian Blessed, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen Also On Board
Culver City, Calif. – Hugh Grant will voice the lead role alongside an all-star cast in The Pirates! Band Of Misfits, the new stop-motion, 3D, animated film produced by Aardman Animations for Sony Pictures Animation. The film, which will be distributed by Columbia Pictures, will be released March 30, 2012 in North America.
Hugh Grant, starring in his first animated role, is the luxuriantly bearded Pirate Captain – a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas. With a rag-tag crew at his side (Martin Freeman, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen), and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) to...
Culver City, Calif. – Hugh Grant will voice the lead role alongside an all-star cast in The Pirates! Band Of Misfits, the new stop-motion, 3D, animated film produced by Aardman Animations for Sony Pictures Animation. The film, which will be distributed by Columbia Pictures, will be released March 30, 2012 in North America.
Hugh Grant, starring in his first animated role, is the luxuriantly bearded Pirate Captain – a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas. With a rag-tag crew at his side (Martin Freeman, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen), and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) to...
- 5/17/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Hugh Grant is to voice the lead role alongside an all-star cast in The Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists, the new stop-motion, 3D animated film produced by Aardman Animations for Sony Pictures Animation.
The film, which will be distributed by Columbia Pictures, will be released on March 30, 2012 in the UK. Also on board are Martin Freeman, David Tennant, Imelda Staunton, Jeremy Piven, Salma Hayek, Brian Blessed, Brendan Gleeson and Ashley Jensen.
Hugh Grant, in his first animated role, stars as the bearded Pirate Captain - a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the high seas.
With a rag-tag crew at his side (Martin Freeman, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen), and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) to the much coveted Pirate Of The Year Award.
The film, which will be distributed by Columbia Pictures, will be released on March 30, 2012 in the UK. Also on board are Martin Freeman, David Tennant, Imelda Staunton, Jeremy Piven, Salma Hayek, Brian Blessed, Brendan Gleeson and Ashley Jensen.
Hugh Grant, in his first animated role, stars as the bearded Pirate Captain - a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the high seas.
With a rag-tag crew at his side (Martin Freeman, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen), and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) to the much coveted Pirate Of The Year Award.
- 5/16/2011
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
Hugh Grant joins the animation voice actor set with the announcement of his casting as a Pirate Captain in Aardman Animation’s next big screen adventure entitled The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists.
Grant joins an impressive cast which has Martin Freeman, Jeremy Piven, Salma Hayek, Imelda Staunton and David Tennant amongst its merry band. There’s no doubt that a new animation from Aardman is always an intriguing prospect and this project joins the forthcoming Arthur Christmas on the animation studio’s slate.
Its been a couple of years since Did You Hear About the Morgans? (which very few people did) and arguably it’s been a far longer while since Grant had a decent script to work with. Here’s hoping…
The release date is the 30th of March 2012 and there’s a first look image below,
Here’s the full press release,
London, UK, May 5, 2011 – Hugh Grant...
Grant joins an impressive cast which has Martin Freeman, Jeremy Piven, Salma Hayek, Imelda Staunton and David Tennant amongst its merry band. There’s no doubt that a new animation from Aardman is always an intriguing prospect and this project joins the forthcoming Arthur Christmas on the animation studio’s slate.
Its been a couple of years since Did You Hear About the Morgans? (which very few people did) and arguably it’s been a far longer while since Grant had a decent script to work with. Here’s hoping…
The release date is the 30th of March 2012 and there’s a first look image below,
Here’s the full press release,
London, UK, May 5, 2011 – Hugh Grant...
- 5/5/2011
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton and Ashley Jensen will lend their voices to Sony Pictures Animation's 3D CG-animated film "Arthur Christmas."According to Variety, Sarah Smith and Barry Cook are directing from a screenplay Smith co-wrote with Peter Baynham.Steve Pegram is producing with Carla Shelley executive producing along with Aardman's Peter Lord and David Sproxton.Taking place on Christmas night, the cartoon will center on Santa Claus' son Arthur (McAvoy), who helps save Christmas. Broadbent will voice Santa and Laurie will voice Arthur's older brother Steve.Sony has set a November 23, 2011, release date.
- 11/3/2010
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
TORONTO -- After breaking in their act in several hilarious shorts -- two won Oscars -- and a TV series, Wallace and Gromit get their very own feature film in “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.” Wallace, of course, is that cheerful but daft inventor extraordinaire and Gromit is his silent though sage canine, who quietly cleans up his master’s disasters. Most fans of the U.K.-based Aardman Animations’ magical claymation technique think of these two as the studio’s best creations. They certainly live up to that reputation in “The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.”
Aardman’s first feature for DreamWorks, “Chicken Run” in 2000, didn’t completely manage the trick of maintaining the laughs and stylish glee of its shorts in a film nearly three times their length. The studio now hits its stride in a second outing, displaying the same technical flair, wonderful British wit and a sharper story sense. Since “Curse” is both a family movie and a date movie, DreamWorks should enjoy a long theatrical run followed by a lively ancillary afterlife.
This adventure is scripted by the two co-directors, Steve Box and Nick Park, along with Bob Baker and Mark Burton. Wallace (voiced by Peter Sallis) & Gromit run a humane extermination company called Anti-Pesto, which collects rabbits savaging vegetable patches in a comfy British suburb and brings them back to the house. (The basement is getting rather overrun by rabbits, the truth be told.)
Anti-Pesto faces its greatest challenge when a monster rabbit devours patch after patch in the days leading up to the annual Giant Vegetable Competition, sponsored by Lady Tottington (an aristocratically bubbly Helena Bonham Carter). The team must also outwit the blustery Victor Quartermaine (Ralph Fiennes in a delightfully over-the-top caricature), who means to kill the monster rabbit with a gold bullet, a 24-carat one. (The Aardman crew is truly addicted to puns.)
Then the unthinkable happens: Wallace & Gromit meet the enemy and it is … Wallace? Yes, in a foolish attempt to rehab rabbits from their desire for veggies in his laboratory, things went horribly wrong. Now, when the moon comes out, Wallace transforms into the Were-Rabbit in a delightful sequence that captures the best of claymation.
Park and Box can now spoof all the old monster movies, everything from werewolves to King Kong himself. From here on the movie rolls merrily along with slapstick action and whimsical characters. And always there’s Gromit working feverishly to prevent disaster after disaster.
Julian Nott’s jolly music with its mock epic swells just barely keeps up with the breakneck pace, one-liners and jokey signs that fly by too fast for the eye to catch every one.
WALLACE & GROMIT: THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT
DreamWorks Pictures
DreamWorks Animation presents an Aardman Animations production
Credits: Directors: Nick Park, Steve Box; Writers: Steve Box, Nick Park, Bob Baker, Mark Burton; Producers: Claire Jennings, Carla Shelley, Peter Lord, David Sporxton, Nick Park; Executive producers: Michael Rose, Cecil Kramer; Director of photography: Tristan Oliver, Dave Alex-Riddett; Production designer: Phil Lewis; Music: Julian Nott; Editor: Dave McCormick, Greg Perler.
Cast: Wallace: Peter Sallis; Victor Quatermaine: Ralph Fiennes; Lady Tottington: Helena Bonham Carter; Rev.Hedges: Nicholas Smith; PC McIntosh: Peter Kay; Mrs. Mulch: Liz Smith.
MPAA rating G, running time 80 minutes.
Aardman’s first feature for DreamWorks, “Chicken Run” in 2000, didn’t completely manage the trick of maintaining the laughs and stylish glee of its shorts in a film nearly three times their length. The studio now hits its stride in a second outing, displaying the same technical flair, wonderful British wit and a sharper story sense. Since “Curse” is both a family movie and a date movie, DreamWorks should enjoy a long theatrical run followed by a lively ancillary afterlife.
This adventure is scripted by the two co-directors, Steve Box and Nick Park, along with Bob Baker and Mark Burton. Wallace (voiced by Peter Sallis) & Gromit run a humane extermination company called Anti-Pesto, which collects rabbits savaging vegetable patches in a comfy British suburb and brings them back to the house. (The basement is getting rather overrun by rabbits, the truth be told.)
Anti-Pesto faces its greatest challenge when a monster rabbit devours patch after patch in the days leading up to the annual Giant Vegetable Competition, sponsored by Lady Tottington (an aristocratically bubbly Helena Bonham Carter). The team must also outwit the blustery Victor Quartermaine (Ralph Fiennes in a delightfully over-the-top caricature), who means to kill the monster rabbit with a gold bullet, a 24-carat one. (The Aardman crew is truly addicted to puns.)
Then the unthinkable happens: Wallace & Gromit meet the enemy and it is … Wallace? Yes, in a foolish attempt to rehab rabbits from their desire for veggies in his laboratory, things went horribly wrong. Now, when the moon comes out, Wallace transforms into the Were-Rabbit in a delightful sequence that captures the best of claymation.
Park and Box can now spoof all the old monster movies, everything from werewolves to King Kong himself. From here on the movie rolls merrily along with slapstick action and whimsical characters. And always there’s Gromit working feverishly to prevent disaster after disaster.
Julian Nott’s jolly music with its mock epic swells just barely keeps up with the breakneck pace, one-liners and jokey signs that fly by too fast for the eye to catch every one.
WALLACE & GROMIT: THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT
DreamWorks Pictures
DreamWorks Animation presents an Aardman Animations production
Credits: Directors: Nick Park, Steve Box; Writers: Steve Box, Nick Park, Bob Baker, Mark Burton; Producers: Claire Jennings, Carla Shelley, Peter Lord, David Sporxton, Nick Park; Executive producers: Michael Rose, Cecil Kramer; Director of photography: Tristan Oliver, Dave Alex-Riddett; Production designer: Phil Lewis; Music: Julian Nott; Editor: Dave McCormick, Greg Perler.
Cast: Wallace: Peter Sallis; Victor Quatermaine: Ralph Fiennes; Lady Tottington: Helena Bonham Carter; Rev.Hedges: Nicholas Smith; PC McIntosh: Peter Kay; Mrs. Mulch: Liz Smith.
MPAA rating G, running time 80 minutes.
- 9/17/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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