The Nut Job

Surly, a curmudgeon, independent squirrel is banished from his park and forced to survive in the city. Lucky for him, he stumbles on the one thing that may be able to save his life, and the rest of park community, as they gear up for winter - Maury's Nut Store.

The Nut Job is an upcoming 2014 Canadian-South Korean-American 3D computer animated comedy film directed by Peter Lepeniotis. It is written by Lorne Cameron and Peter Lepeniotis, starring Will Arnett, Brendan Fraser, Gabriel Iglesias, Liam Neeson and Katherine Heigl. The film is based on the 2005 short animated film Surly Squirrel by Lepeniotis. It will be released on January 17, 2014 by Open Road Films. With a budget of $42.8 million, it is the most expensive animated film co-produced in South Korea.

Plot
Set in fictional Oakton, a mischievous purple squirrel named Surly (Will Arnett) is banished from the park to the city by Raccoon (Liam Neeson). With the help of his rat friend Buddy, Surly plans a nut-store heist of outrageous proportions, and the duo unwittingly find themselves embroiled in a complicated adventure that might help the survival of the park community even if it involves getting them to help out with the heist before the winter weather hits.

Cast

 * Will Arnett as Surly
 * Brendan Fraser as Grayson
 * Gabriel Iglesias as Johnny
 * Liam Neeson as Raccoon
 * Katherine Heigl as Andie
 * Jeff Dunham as Mole
 * Stephen Lang as King
 * Sarah Gadon as Lana
 * Maya Rudolph as Precious
 * Annick Obonsawin as Jamie
 * Scott Yaphe as Lucky
 * Eric Bauza as Buddy
 * James Rankin as Fingers

Production
On January 17, 2011, it was announced that Lorne Cameron would be writing the screenplay for the film along with Lepeniotis. On November 15, 2012, it was announced that Katherine Heigl, Will Arnett and Brendan Fraser would be joining the cast of the film. On March 1, 2013, it was announced that Liam Neeson would be joining the cast of the film. On December 19, 2013, it was announced South Korean entertainer, PSY, would make a cameo appearance as himself during the film's ending credits, which will also feature his hit song "Gangnam Style."

Release
The film is set to be released in theaters on January 17, 2014, and distributed by Open Road Films. The first teaser trailer for the film was released on September 27, 2013. International distribution will be handled by The Weinstein Company.