With news that a sequel to 'Chicken Run' was in the works at Aardmans with Netflix involved, questions had already begun to circulate whether or not Mel Gibson would be returning as Rocky.
However, a report in TheWrap that cites two sources from the production has it that Gibson is not expected in the sequel.
While the reasons aren't clear for his absence, the actor has been back in the headlines just this week over anti-Semitic comments he allegedly made to Winona Ryder in 1995. Gibson, for his part, has denied Ryder's statements and said that she is lying.
'Chicken Run' is the most commercially successful stop-motion animated movie ever made, taking in $225 million globally during its run at the box office. 'Chicken Run 2' will pick up where the first left off, with Ginger and Rocky - originally voiced by Julia Sawalha and Mel Gibson - finding a peaceful sanctuary island to hatch a young chick before they're called back to mainland to face a new threat.
The original movie was also a critical hit, receiving two BAFTA nominations, a Golden Globe nomination, and winning several critics' awards and topping best-of-year lists as well. The sequel is will be a Netflix original, with a theatrical release planned as well, however no release date has been announced as of yet.
