Netflix's upcoming Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget release date announced

The long-awaited sequel to the beloved 2000 hit animated film Chicken Run has finally been given a release date, premiering just in time for the Christmas holiday season.

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget will land on the streaming platform on December 15, 2023, according to information from a Netflix panel at the Annecy International Animation Festival.

Director Sam Fell (Flushed Away), producer Leyla Hobart and exec producer and Aardman co-founder Peter Lord led the presentation.

A short trailer for Aardman Animation's upcoming project was also shown at the festival, and introduced lucky viewers to Molly, the daughter of the Chicken Run heroes Ginger and Rocky.

A still of the upcoming Chicken Run sequel

Voiced by The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey, Molly will take center stage in the sequel, with the first footage showing her being captured and taken to an oppressive, fortress-style farm. A classic chase sequence ensues, with Ginger and Rocky determined to break in and save their daughter.

A few notable cast members will be reprising their roles, but the main duo of Ginger and Rocky will be voiced by all new actors. Thandiwe Newton will be voicing Ginger, while Zachary Levi will be taking the role of Rocky. In the original film, the strong-willed hen and boisterous rooster were voiced by Julia Sawalha and Mel Gibson.

Chicken Run Aardman's first feature film, followed a group of chickens, led by Ginger, in a dark but hilarious adventure as they try to escape from their chicken farm. When Rocky the rooster crashes into their yard, he promises that he can teach them all to fly, and a race against the clock ensues as the chickens work to escape with their heads intact.

The film was an overall hit at the box office and currently has a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans who have been eagerly awaiting a sequel for over two decades will hopefully have expectations met by the upcoming film.

The announcement was made at Annency Film Festival. Credit: Gavin Strange