Julia Sawalha has issued a statement about her voice being recast for the next Chicken Run film.
Sawalha, who voiced Ginger in the 2000 film, issued a statement and tweeted: "Chicken Run 2 announcement! I have officially been plucked, stuffed & roasted. If you are interested, do read what I have to say about it.
An excerpt from her statement follows:
"Last week I was informed out of the blue, via email, through my agent that I would not be cast as Ginger in the Chicken Run sequel. The reason they gave is that my voice now sounds 'too old' and they want a younger actress to reprise the role.
Usually in these circumstances, an actress would be given the chance to do a voice test in order to determine the suitability of their pitch and tone, I however was not given this opportunity.
I am passionate about my work and I don't go down without a fight, so I did my own voice test at home and sent it to the producers, which you can view here.
Today I received a very kind and thoughtfully written response from one of the creatives, outlining their decision, most notably saying "Some of the voices (not yours, I agree) definitely sound older". However, they stated "We will be going ahead to re-cast the voice of Ginger"
I received my letter of dismissal the day before it was announced that the 'Lone Free Ranger' had been axed from the sequel and that the character of Rocky was to be re-voiced. The reason given was that his voice is now too old.
To say I am devastated and furious would be an understatement.
Today I responded by wishing the production the best of luck and the greatest success with the sequel.
There is nothing more I can do, other than to thank all of you who loved and still love Chicken Run, as I do.
I'm off for the chop now,
Ginger x"
Sawalha has had a huge amount of support from fans on social media. Some have said they will not watch the new film, it has been pointed out that a woman in her sixties (Nancy Cartwright) voices Bart Simpson. And an online petition has been set up to reinstate Sawalha.
