Aardman and StudioCanal have officially announced Shaun the Sheep Movie 2, the follow-up to the hugely-successful and Oscar-nominated 2015 film, which will begin pre-production in January 2017 under director Richard Starzak (Shaun the Sheep Movie, Creature Comforts).

“Shaun’s move to the big screen proved such a success with audiences around the world that he and the flock are very excited to be embarking on another big screen adventure,” said David Sproxton, co-founder of Aardman. “Aardman is partnering with StudioCanal once again to produce another rip-roaring comedy, featuring Shaun and the rest of the gang in a story that takes them to even greater heights of lunacy.”

“All of us here at StudioCanal are Aardman fans,” added Ron Halpern, EVP of International Productions and Acquisitions for StudioCanal. “To get to see the wonderful way they work in Bristol as they have for 40 years now through to the first Shaun the Sheep Movie was an experience we will always cherish. Luckily we get to start again with what will definitely be another film showcasing Aardman’s unique humour, creativity and craftsmanship.”