Chicken Run 2: The Famous Cast Behind the Voices

The Chicken Run sequel, Dawn of the Nugget, sparked quite a debate with its decision to recast some roles, notably the original Ginger, Julia Sawalha. Director Sam Fell, in an exclusive interview with RadioTimes.com, shed light on the rationale behind the casting choices, aiming to strike a balance between honoring the original and evolving for a contemporary audience.

Casting Shake-Up: A Director’s Vision

“When I came to this project, I knew that I wanted to respect the first one, but I also wanted to evolve and make a film for now, for this era, for a new audience, and I’m a new director,” explained Fell. This insight into the director’s mindset sets the stage for understanding the changes in the Chicken Run universe.

The New Line-Up: Voices Behind the Feathers

Let’s dive into the revamped voice cast for Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget:

Thandiwe Newton as Ginger: The leader of the escape from the Tweedy farm, Ginger, now voiced by Newton, has achieved her happy ending. Newton, with a 25-year career, brings a wealth of experience from films like Mission: Impossible 2 and TV series such as Westworld.
Zachary Levi as Rocky: Levi, known for his role as Shazam, takes on the character of Rocky, the American former circus rooster aiding the chickens.
Bella Ramsey as Molly: The smart and adventurous daughter of Ginger and Rocky, Molly, is voiced by Ramsey, rising to fame with their role in The Last of Us.
Romesh Ranganathan as Nick: Ranganathan, a popular comedian, steps into the role of Nick, the brainier half of a rodent duo supplying the chickens with useful items.
Daniel Mays as Fetcher: Mays, a prolific actor, plays Fetcher, another rat, resourceful though not as quick-witted as his partner.
David Bradley as Fowler: Bradley portrays Fowler, an elderly eccentric rooster with a penchant for regaling tales of his wartime glory days.
Jane Horrocks as Babs: Horrocks reprises her role as Babs, the blissfully unaware hen with expert knitting skills.
Imelda Staunton as Bunty: A gruff, pessimistic hen, Bunty, voiced by Staunton, is now a committed member of the break-in team.
Lynn Ferguson as Mac: Ferguson returns as Mac, Ginger’s ingenious and unflappable right-hand hen with a knack for solving problems.
Miranda Richardson as Mrs. Tweedy: Richardson reprises her role as Mrs. Tweedy, the flock’s former owner and nemesis, still as malevolent and avaricious as ever.
Josie Sedgwick-Davies as Frizzle: Sedgwick-Davies, a newcomer, voices Frizzle, a young and exuberant hen who befriends Molly at the start of her adventure.
Nick Mohammed as Dr. Fry: Mohammed plays Dr. Fry, Mrs. Tweedy’s new husband and the unhinged scientist behind Fun-Land Farms.
Peter Serafinowicz as Reginald Smith: Serafinowicz enters the scene as Reginald Smith, an investor in Mrs. Tweedy’s new nugget-creating enterprise.

The Evolution of Characters

Each character undergoes a transformation with the infusion of new voices. Ginger, previously voiced by Sawalha, now takes on a new persona with Thandiwe Newton’s portrayal. The dynamics between characters, such as the relationship between Molly and Ginger, promise to add layers to the storyline.

Familiar Faces, Fresh Interpretations

While some characters maintain their familiar voices, the reinterpretation brings nuances and freshness to the narrative. Jane Horrocks returning as Babs and Lynn Ferguson reprising her role as Mac ensure a sense of continuity, anchoring the sequel in the beloved essence of the original.

A Mix of Seasoned and New Talent

The casting mix, featuring seasoned actors like Imelda Staunton and newcomers like Josie Sedgwick-Davies, promises a vibrant on-screen chemistry. The infusion of talent from various backgrounds adds a dynamic layer to the film.

Behind the Mic: Actor Highlights

Beyond their characters, the cast members boast impressive resumes. Zachary Levi, known for his superhero role in Shazam!, and Bella Ramsey, acclaimed for The Last of Us, bring their star power to the chicken coop.

The Future of Chicken Run

As Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget lands on Netflix, audiences have the chance to witness this revamped ensemble in action. The blend of nostalgia, fresh voices, and a director’s vision for evolution sets the stage for a poultry-packed adventure that goes beyond mere clucking.

In conclusion, the casting decisions for the Chicken Run sequel bring forth a lively mix of familiar faces and new voices, promising a cinematic experience that transcends the boundaries of the original. The evolution of characters and the infusion of talent from various quarters create a tapestry that caters to both the nostalgia of longtime fans and the curiosity of a new audience. So, grab your popcorn, settle into your coop, and get ready for a feathered fiesta with Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.