'Nut Job 2' to open in theaters in 2016

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- A sequel to the hit animated squirrel tale "The Nut Job" is scheduled to open in U.S. theaters in January 2016, producers said Thursday.

The announcement was made by Tom Ortenberg, chief executive officer of Open Road Films, and Hoe-jin Ha, chief executive officer and president of Redrover Co.

The original film features the voice talents of Will Arnett, Brendan Fraser, Liam Neeson, Katherine Heigl, Maya Rudolph, Stephen Lang, Jeff Dunham, Gabriel Iglesias and Sarah Gadon.

"We couldn't be more thrilled about 'The Nut Job,'" Ortenberg said in a statement. "It has been a pleasure working with the teams at Redrover, ToonBox and Gulfstream and we are delighted to re-team with them for 'The Nut Job 2.'"

"We are very proud of what we have accomplished in Hollywood as an independent production company," said Ha. "Our compliments go out to ToonBox and Gulfstream for their endeavor in the co-production and to Open Road for their successful campaign and teamwork. We are looking forward to working with them on 'The Nut Job 2.'"