Production Start Date: Late 2003
Released on: March 15, 2002
Running Time: 81 minutes
 
 

CAST
 

Manfred the woolly Mammoth... Ray Romano
Sid the Sloth... John Leguizamo
Diego the Sabertooth... Denis Leary
Scrat... Chris Wedge
 
 

INTERESTING FACTS

  Sequel discussions were taking place even before Ice Age was released in theaters. "Serious discussions," according to director Chris Wedge. As for plot secrets, Wedge said at the time, "I think of the mammoth and the sloth in our movie like Ralph Kramden and Ed Norton. The buddy comedy possibility are endless."

  John Leguizamo confirmed in November 2002 that Ice Age 2 was "coming up. Yup, were in talks right now. I mean it was a huge hit, it was an unexpected hit for Fox that it revived their animation department [Laughs]. Yeah they had nailed their window shut, locked it and now they had to get a crowbar and open it up again."

  Director Chris Wedge further commented that same month that he was indeed contemplating the inevitable follow-up to Ice Age. "We're working on treatments for it right now. I think the studio is certainly interested. I'm happy. You get to know all these characters, and we have a million spinoff stories. But I'm just kind of consumed by [Robots], and I have to take it one step at a time."  In February 2003, he confirmed that he would executive produce the sequel that writing duo Peter Gaulke and Gerry Swallow are penning.

  Chris Wedge revealed to in June 2003 that the original's popular breakout, the nut-obsessing Scrat, could go solo. Says the man who sniffs, scratches and screeches for the jittery critter, "There is new Scrat potential out there."

  John Leguizamo said in a July 2003 interview that he expected to sign on soon for Ice Age 2. Apparently Ray Romano and Dennis Leary are already on board for the project. Leguizamo will resume his role as Sid, the giant sloth. Voice work is expected to begin in late 2003.

  Denis Leary revealed that same month that 'truth is I said to these guys we should make the sequel at the same time we make the original. But studios hate to spend money until they have a guarantee in their hands. So now they'll have to pay twice as much to get it done and it'll take twice as much time. But in principle we've all agreed that if it worked we'd all go back in. I think there's a story--the people at Fox are working on one right now. I think they're talking about going back into the studios something around late Fall. It'll be the three of us, without the baby, obviously!" Leary admitted that it's more than a question of creative pride that's brought him back to the project. "If [animated films are] a hit they make tons of money! Future actors out there--take the back end on animated films! Guaranteed extra money!"