Julia Sawalha has revealed she is "devastated and furious" at being left out of the Chicken Run sequel, coming to Netflix next year.
The actress, 51, provided the voiceover for arguably the film's most iconic character, Ginger, in the animated movie. But now, Julia says she's been left out of the upcoming sequel as her voice sounds "too old" 20 years on.
Tweeting a link to an official statement, she said: "Chicken Run 2 announcement! I have officially been plucked, stuffed & roasted. If you are interested, do read what I have to say about it. #ageism @actforchangehq."
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The statement explained: "Last week I was informed out of the blue, via email, that I would not be cast as Ginger in the Chicken Run sequel. The reason they gave is that my voice now sounds 'too old' and they want a younger actress to reprise the role.
"Usually in these circumstances, an actress would be given the opportunity to do a voice test in order to determine the suitability of their pitch and tone, I however was not given this opportunity."
Julia went on to explain she is passionate about her work, and that she wouldn't be "going down without a fight". Therefore, she conducted her own voice test at home and sent it to the producers.
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In the video, Julia compares her voice to scenes from the original movie - and seriously, we can't even tell the difference.
Julia claimed she had received a thoughtfully written response from one of the creatives, outlining their decision to go ahead and recast.
"Most notably saying, 'Some of the voices (not yours, I agree) definitely sound older'," she said.
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"[...] I received my letter of dismissal the day before it was announced that the 'Lone Free Ranger' had been axed from the sequel and that the character of Rocky was to be re-voiced. The reason given was that his voice is now too old. I feel I have been fobbed off with the same excuse."
Julia explained she went to great lengths to prove to production that her voice is "nigh on the same".
"If they will be using some of the original cast members... Let's be frank, I feel I have been unfairly dismissed," she added.
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"To say I am devastated and furious would be an understatement. I feel totally powerless. Something in all of this doesn't ring true. I trust my instincts and they are waving red flags."
Julia finished the statement by expressing her sadness that she would not be reprising the role, adding that she responded to the letter wishing the production the best of luck.
She signed off: "I'm off for the chop now, Ginger x".
The statement comes after reports that Mel Gibson will not be reprising the role of Rocky either, while it's unconfirmed which other cast members will be included in the sequel.
Chicken Run raked in $255 million at the box office when it was released in 2000, and was the highest grossing stop-motion animated film in history.
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But let's face it, it will not be the same without Julia. Can someone start a petition or something?!
Tyla has contacted both Netflix and Aardman Animations for comment.