Chicken Run sequel on the way from Aardman Animations

The original film's writers are returning

Eighteen years ago, Chicken Run reached cinemas, impressing children and quickly becoming the most successful stop-motion movie of all time.

With the world aping for shots of nostalgia, news has emerged that Aardman Animations are officially working on a sequel to the Mel Gibson and Miranda Richardson comedy.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sam Fell – who previously directed the studio’s Dreamworks collaboration Flushed Away – will hem the project, with the original movie’s writers Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell reuniting for the screenplay.

Details about the sequel’s plot are being kept under wraps, but the project is expected to go into production at the Bristol-based studio following the completion of Shaun the Sheep Movie 2.

The original Chicken Run saw a group of chickens attempt to escape a Yorkshire poultry farm. Led by Ginger (Julia Sawalha), the soon-to-be-pies come into contact with Rocky (Gibson) who trains them to escape.

Aardman founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton are reportedly producing the tentatively titled Chicken Run 2, with StudioCanal developing.

Earlier this year, Aardman released the comedy Early Man, winning positive reviews but failing to make a significant dent at the box office.