Chicken Run, from the creators of Wallace and Gromit, is Aardman Animations first feature length film and is set to arrive in theaters this summer accompanied by a full toyline from Playmates Toys.

An animated adventure comedy, Chicken Run, is the story of a group of chickens who make a desperate bid for freedom before they can be fried, filleted or fricasseed. Leading the flock are a British chicken named Ginger and an all-American rooster named Rocky. Together they prove that chickens are anything but, as they engage in a daring and spectacular escape.

The cast will feature the voices of Mel Gibson, Julia Sawalha, Imelda Staunton, Jane Horrocks, Miranda Richardson and more. The screenplay, by Karey Kirkpatrick and Jack Rosenthal, is based on an original story by Nick Park and Peter Lord.

DreamWorks will distribute the film in the United States and in most international territories outside Europe. Pathe will distribute the film in Europe.

The film will be released on late June 2000 in UK and US. Worldwide release dates will follow shortly. Expect Playmates toyline to be released around the same time.

You'll never look at Chicken McNuggets the same way again!

[Updated 1-20-2000]