StudioCanal is hoping to emulate the success of the Shaun the Sheep Movie by teaming up with Aardman Animations on another project.
The film, called Early Man, will be another stop-frame animation, and will tell the story of a caveman who unites his tribe to combat a mutual enemy while simultaneously trying to fend off dinosaurs. Nick Park will take on directing duties, helming his first movie since the short film Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death in 2008.
The script will be written by Mark Burton and John O’Farrell. Burton worked with Aardman on The Curse of the Were-Rabbit and Chicken Run (alongside O’Farrell), as well as on other kids movies, including Gnomeo & Juliet.
“I’m very excited to be making this film with such great partners – StudioCanal and BFI,” said Park, in a statement. “And with the support of the incredible team at Aardman, bringing this inept bunch of cavemen to life is going to be a hilarious adventure.”
Shaun the Sheep Movie has made £13m in the UK. It is behind the previous Aardman offering in 2012, The Pirates! In an Adventure With Scientists!, which made £17m.
