Open Road Films has set a May 19, 2017 U.S. release date forThe Nut Job 2, a sequel to its 2014 sneaky animated hit that grossed $120.9M worldwide. That pic marked the biggest box office opening ever for an independent animated film. Will Arnett, Katherine Heigl, Maya Rudolph, Gabriel Iglesias and Jeff Dunham are reprising their voice roles for the follow-up, with more cast coming soon. The family film was originally eyed as a Jan. 15, 2016 title.

The sequel returns to Oakton, where the evil mayor decides to bulldoze Liberty Park and build a dangerous amusement park in its place. Surly Squirrel (Arnett) and his ragtag group of animal friends band together to save their home, defeat the mayor, and take back the park. Cal Brunker (Escape From Planet Earth) is directing a script he co-wrote with Scott Bindley and Bob Barlen.