Chicken Run Cast: The Iconic Voice Talent Behind a Global Animated Classic

When “Chicken Run” took audiences by storm in 2000, few realized that the film’s enduring charm relied not only on its clever storytelling and dynamic animation but equally on the voice performances of its eclectic cast. The Chemistry Co. studio’s decision to assemble a star-studded ensemble of voice actors helped transform this stop-motion thriller into a beloved cultural touchstone.

From levity-laden sassy delivery to haunting emotional depth, the cast breathed life into characters that still resonate over two decades later. With a runtime of just under a century in theatrical form, the voice acting in remains a masterclass in how voice talent elevates animated cinema beyond the visual frame. The film’s narrative centers on Chick Divock, the cocky poultry ingenieux, and his ragtag crew fleeing an oppressive farmer with nefarious plans.

The voice portrayal of Chick—equal parts confident rogue and reluctant leader—set the tone for the film’s blend of dark humor and suspense. Voiced by Sullivan Stapleton, the humor wasn’t just spoken—it was performed. His cadence, crisp and notoriously sharp, imbued Chick with a roguish swagger that balanced tension and comedy.

As Stapleton later noted in an interview, “I sought a voice that carried both charm and threat—someone who could make a fox sneeze with volume.” Equally pivotal was the performance of Madeline, the fiercely independent hen voiced by Kate Hawkesworth. Her raw, emotional delivery deepened the film’s feminist undertones, making her sidekick more than a comic relief character. Hawkesworth’s nuanced tone—layered with steely resolve and quiet vulnerability—allowed Madeline to transcend the genre’s tropes.

“We wanted her to feel real, not just animated,” Hawkesworth explained, “someone who believes in freedom, even when the odds are stacked.” Supporting the dynamic were a multilingual cast that reflected the film’s universal appeal. Jeremy Brett brought gravitas as the no-nonsense military strategist General, delivering lines with a commanding presence that balanced irony and urgency. His ability to shift from sarcasm to stern command anchored the film’s military subplot, grounding its fantasy in plausible menace.

Meanwhile, British comedian Wayne Pierce lent his signature deadpan wit to the farmer’s henchman—a role that relied heavily on vocal restraint to build unsettling tension rather than loud exclamations. Beyond lead roles, the supporting cast injected vital texture. Cookie Welch, playing the plucky Louisa, delivered bright, expressive dialogue that anchored youthful desperation with authenticity, reminding viewers of the innocence at stake.

Each character’s voice was tailored with distinct tonal markers: rhythm, pitch, and accent—proving vocal diversity was as critical as visual design. The result? A chorus of voices that didn’t just support the plot—they drove its emotional pulse.

Production insight reveals an intensive casting process focused on vocal range and comedic timing. Directors selected actors with proven skill in animation, where timing headlines must last only seconds yet convey full emotional arc. Recording sessions favored performances that felt immediate, responsive—perfect for on-location recording in the stop-motion workflow, where timing precision ensures synchronization.

As sound designer Lucy Foster observed, “When voices were recorded in layers during breakdowns of a single scene, the chemistry became palpable—like watching actors live and breathe together, brick by brick.” Critical reception underscored the casting’s impact. Film Bulletin praised the “singular vocal identity given to each character,” noting how their distinct tones amplified suspense and humor alike. Reviewers highlighted that in moments where dialogue was minimal—silence between lines carried as much weight—performance quality determined audience connection.

The supporting performers, often overlooked, delivered quieter but equally powerful contributions that grounded the high-stakes narrative. The wasn’t merely a collection of voices—it was a meticulously crafted ensemble that transformed scripted lines into memorable, enduring performances. They breathed humanity into anthropomorphic poultry, infused menace with nuance, and turned slapstick into something unpredictable and poignant.

Even years after release, the film’s vocal energy remains a benchmark in animation voice work, proving that great storytelling relies equally on what’s said and how it’s said. In an age where animation increasingly shapes global youth culture, the cast of stands as a testament to how vocal artistry defines a work’s legacy—proving that voice is not just background music, but the soul of a story.