The wonderful thing about Aardman animation that separates itself from the traditionally hand-drawn or CG is its use of stop-motion clay animation techniques. Though it might not get nearly as much recognition as other bigger studios, that hasn’t stopped Aardman from telling wonderful stories using the unique animation style. Now they, along with Netflix, are making some big announcements regarding Wallace & Gromit, their flagship title, and Chicken Run, one of their more popular titles.
(Pictured) Creator and Director of WALLACE & GROMIT, Nick Park. Credit: Matt Crockett / Aardman © 2022
Regarding Wallace & Gromit, Netflix has announced that a sequel is underway. According to the press release, the untitled film, directed by Nick Park, makes its debut on Netflix worldwide, except for the UK, where it will debut first on the BBC before also coming to Netflix in 2024. Nick has always wanted — indeed needed — to continue the adventures of these two characters that he knows so uniquely well. Nick will direct alongside Aardman’s Creative Director of Wallace & Gromit, Merlin Crossingham, with Mark Burton onboard to write.
Wallace & Gromit is one of the longest-running animated franchises to date and remains the figureheads of positivity. Though the animation studio may not release as many films as some of their bigger rivals, Aardman animation continues to impress with its commitment to deliver unique stories using claymation techniques.
“Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,” the long-awaited sequel to “Chicken Run,” will be coming exclusively to Netflix in 2023. Aardman and Netflix often talked about a sequel, but the former needed the right story before they could go into production. Following Robin Robin, another collaboration seemed like a no-brainer and the perfect time to bring back our poultry heroes to the world.
However, there will be a few changes to the cast. The same press release announced that Thandiwe Newton and Zachary Levi voice Ginger and Rocky. They replace Julie Sawalha and Mel Gibson, who voiced the aforementioned poultry power couple. Additionally, Bella Ramsey plays their headstrong daughter, Molly — a true chick-off-the-old-block who completes the family trio in this new chapter. Reprising their roles are Jane Horrocks (Babs), Imelda Staunton (Bunty), and Lynn Ferguson (Mac), joined by new additions Josie Sedgwick-Davies (Frizzle), David Bradley (Fowler), Romesh Ranganathan (Nick), Daniel Mays (Fetcher) and Nick Mohammed (Dr. Fry). Sam Fell (Flushed Away and Oscar-nominated ParaNorman) will direct the film, which is already underway.
The Aardman and Netflix partnership can only help the former as the world now has instant access to films like the upcoming Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget. Hopefully, such a partnership will only encourage subscribers to seek out some of the other Aardman films that may have gone unnoticed.
