Surly Squirrel Poster

Surly Squirrel 2005

★ 10.01 votes11 min📅 2005-08-13

Surly Squirrel (2005) marks the humble beginnings of an animated rodent who would later become a household name.

Director: Peter Lepeniotis

Cast

Bruce Hunter
Bruce Hunter
Surly and Raccoon
Eric Bauza
Eric Bauza
Buddy the Rat

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Surly Squirrel (2005) about?

This animated short follows a bold, quick-witted squirrel navigating the challenges of city life with humor and determination. Set in an urban park, the story explores themes of survival, camaraderie, and the spirit of defiance. Despite its short runtime, the film packs a punch with its lively pacing and engaging character dynamics.

Who directed Surly Squirrel?

Surly Squirrel was directed by Peter Lepeniotis, a filmmaker whose work in animation would later bring the character to the big screen in *The Nut Job*.

Who stars in Surly Squirrel?

The short features voice performances by Bruce Hunter as the titular squirrel and Eric Bauza in a supporting role.

Is Surly Squirrel (2005) worth watching?

As a family-friendly animated short, Surly Squirrel delivers lighthearted entertainment with its vibrant animation and playful storytelling. While it's not rated on IMDb, its role as a precursor to *The Nut Job* makes it a fun watch for fans of the franchise or early 2000s animation.

How long is Surly Squirrel?

The runtime for Surly Squirrel (2005) is 11 minutes.

About Surly Squirrel (2005) — The Animated Short That Started It All

Surly Squirrel (2005) marks the humble beginnings of an animated rodent who would later become a household name. This 11-minute short film, helmed by director Peter Lepeniotis, introduces audiences to a feisty, street-smart squirrel whose relentless energy and outspoken attitude set him apart from his forest-dwelling peers. With its vibrant animation and playful storytelling, the film captures the spirit of rebellion and determination that would define its character's journey. Though initially a modest production, its charm and wit laid the groundwork for the full-length feature it inspired nearly a decade later.

Set in a bustling urban park, Surly Squirrel (2005) follows our titular hero as he navigates the challenges of survival with a mix of humor and grit. Voiced by Bruce Hunter and co-starring Eric Bauza, the short blends family-friendly themes with the kind of fast-paced, dynamic action that makes it a standout in early 2000s animation. While it may be brief, its impact is anything but small—offering a glimpse into the creative spark that would later ignite *The Nut Job* (2014).