Julia Sawalha voiced Ginger in the first Chicken Run movie, which was released in 2000. With a new movie on the way, fans and the actors assumed Sawalha would reprise that role. Apparently, though; Sawalha has been dropped from the movie due to her age. She accuses the film of ageism and penned an open letter on social media:
“The reason they gave is that my voice now sounds ‘too old’. 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.”
She added:
“However, they stated ‘We will be going ahead to re-cast the voice of Ginger.”
Sawalha pointed out that this information came before it was revealed Mel Gibson would be recast as well. For the same reasons as Sawalha’s dismissal.
“I went to great lengths to prove to the production that my voice is nigh on the same as it was in the original film. If they will be using some of the original cast members… let’s be frank, I feel I have been unfairly dismissed.”
Sawalha concluded:
“To say I am devastated and furious would be an understatement. I feel totally powerless, something in all of this doesn’t quite ring true. I trust my instincts and they are waving red flags. I am saddened that I have lost the chance to work with Nick Park and Peter Lord from whom I learnt so much. The three of us, together, created Ginger.”
What do you think about this news?
Source: THR
Make sure to check out our podcasts each week including Geek Vibes Live, Top 10 with Tia, Wrestling Geeks Alliance and more!
A girl with too many fandoms to count.
