There's a fan theory that Chicken Run and Orange Is The New Black are connected
A fan theory linking Chicken Run and Orange Is The New Black might sound like a reach, but hear it out - it surprisingly makes a lot of sense.
Now, I know what you're thinking - one is a stop motion, claymation family film about a group of chickens, whereas the other is long-running Netflix series about a women's prison.
What could these two entertainment entities have to do with each other?
Well, if you're an OITNB fan yourself, you'll well know about the legend of The Chicken, which became somewhat of a symbol for freedom amongst the inmates of Litchfield Penitentiary.
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As said by Gina in the show: "There are no chickens around here, except for one. They say she lived on a farm near here. Till one night...
"The night before all the other chickens were slaughtered she escaped. She's been out there ever since, living of the land. Living on her wits."
Some believed the animal had magical abilities, while others thought it was packed with drugs.
Whatever the case, very few inmates ever saw the chicken, which is why they were so surprised that newby Piper saw it roaming inside the gates of the prison.
This is precisely where Chicken Run comes in.
As explained by an anonymous Redditor: "At the end of Chicken Run, we see the hens' airship flying away into the sunset.
"And shortly afterwards we flash forwards to see the hens have established their new home on a pond island, free at last to feel that green grass under their feet."
They added: "My theory is that, inspired by the Rocky's 'land of the free' speech, the chickens actually pedalled their airship all the way across the sea to a nice isolated looking location - which happened to be not too far outside of Litchfield Penitentiary, NY."
Earlier on in the film, the hens had made a catapult which the Redditor suggested they now use to make the odd trip to the mainland to collect any items they need for their new home.
"The film's protagonist, Ginger, would naturally be leading these operations," they said.
"Despite herself, she can't help but feel nostalgic for her days inside the chicken wire, so when one day she stumbles across a big wall of it she can't help but take a peek see what's on the other side.
"Quickly snipping the fence, she's scandalised to find a mirror of what was once her own situation and is compelled to slip in on occasion.
"Ginger came frighteningly close to becoming Chicken Kiev more than once, but we all know the chickens have years of practice at this game.
"And so, the legend of The Chicken is born."
Once you see it, you can't unsee it - excuse me while I go and re-binge-watch Chicken Run and OITNB. For research purposes, of course.
Topics: TV and Film, Netflix, Reddit
Daisy Phillipson