Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the highly anticipated sequel to Aardman’s 2000 stop-motion animated feature Chicken Run, is set to have its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival. The original film remains the most successful stop-motion animated feature of all time, and even after almost a quarter of a century, it still holds that title.
Back in 2018, The Hollywood Reporter broke the news of the sequel, which was later acquired by Netflix. Directed by Sam Fell, who has been nominated for both an Oscar and a BAFTA for his work on films like ParaNorman and Flushed Away, the film will make its debut on October 14 at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Simultaneous preview screenings will also take place at various locations across the UK.
Following the success of Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, which premiered at the London Film Festival last year and went on to win the Oscar for best animated feature, Aardman, known for their Academy Award-winning films, hopes for a similar success with Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget. While the original Chicken Run did not win any Oscars, it is believed to have played a significant role in the creation of the best animated film category, which was introduced in 2002.
The voice cast of Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget features a mix of new actors and returning favorites. Thandiwe Newton takes on the lead role of Ginger, while Zachary Levi voices Rocky and Bella Ramsey brings Molly to life. The ensemble cast also includes Imelda Staunton, Lynn Ferguson, David Bradley, Jane Horrocks, Romesh Ranganathan, Daniel Mays, Josie Sedgwick-Davies, and Nick Mohammed.
The sequel takes place shortly after the events of the first film, with brave chicken leader Ginger successfully escaping from Tweedy’s farm. She and Rocky have found a peaceful island sanctuary where the entire flock can live free from human threats. When they hatch a little girl named Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. However, back on the mainland, all of chicken-kind faces a new and dangerous threat. Ginger and her team are willing to risk their hard-won freedom to confront this new challenge.
Director Sam Fell expressed his honor at premiering the film at the London Film Festival. He described Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget as a showcase of the incredible talent and creativity of the Aardman crew, supported by the passion of the Netflix team. Fell assured fans that they have put their heart and soul into creating a film that will delight both longtime fans and a new generation of families experiencing Chicken Run for the first time.
Kristy Matheson, the director of the BFI London Film Festival, added her excitement about sharing the magic and artistry of Aardman studios and their beloved feathered characters with audiences in October. She praised the film for its fun and heartfelt storytelling.
After its premiere, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget will be available globally on Netflix starting from December 15. Fans worldwide can look forward to experiencing the next chapter in the Chicken Run saga from the comfort of their own homes.
In conclusion, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is set to make a splash at the BFI London Film Festival, following in the footsteps of other successful animated films. With its talented voice cast, captivating story, and the renowned artistry of Aardman studios, the sequel is poised to capture the hearts of audiences both young and old. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original or discovering the world of Chicken Run for the first time, this film promises to be a treat for everyone.