Aardman and Studiocanal today announce that Eddie Redmayne has joined Nick Park’s new prehistoric comedy adventure Early Man as the voice of Dug. Pictured in the studio this week Eddie Redmayne is the first cast member to be revealed as production begins.

Set at the dawn of time, when prehistoric creatures and woolly mammoths roamed the earth, Early Man tells the story of how plucky caveman Dug, along with sidekick Hognob (also pictured) unites his tribe against the mighty Bronze Age in a battle to beat them at their own game. It also marks Nick Park’s first feature film since Academy Award winning Wallace and Gromit: Curse Of The Were-Rabbit. Supported by accomplished screenwriter Mark Burton this new film unleashes an unforgettable cast of hilarious new characters.

Nick Park comments: “Not only is Eddie a joy to work with, his versatility and boundless energy have really helped to bring my new character to life. He embodies the cheeky charm, fun and plucky wit of Dug and I’m sure he’ll get along brilliantly with Dug’s sidekick Hognob.”

Early Man continues the production partnership with AARDMAN and STUDIOCANAL following the success of SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE directed by Mark Burton and Richard Starzak. STUDIOCANAL is co-financing and will distribute in its own territories, the UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand, selling worldwide. The BFI (British Film Institute) is also a partner on Early Man. The film is scheduled for release in France and the UK in January 2018.