Richard Ayoade has joined the cast of upcoming animated movie The Boxtrolls.

An adaptation of Here Be Monsters! – the incredibly popular fantasy novel for younger readers by Alan Snow, the 3-D film will be made via a combination of stop motion and cgi.  Set for release in 2014, it tells the tale of Victorian town Cheesebridge, whose wealthy inhabitants are seemingly under siege from sewer dwelling monsters who lurk the town at night stealing their children and their cheeses.

Of course, the reality is that the Boxtrolls are quirky and loveable creatures who wear recycled cardboard boxes as shells, and live in an underground cavern.  Targeted by a villainous pest controller, the creatures turn to their adopted human oprhan, Eggs to save them from destruction.

With a top notch cast including Ben Kingsley, Toni Collette, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and our very own Richard Ayoade, this charming sounding film will be one to look out for next year.  As soon as we hear any more details, we’ll keep you peeled.