10 Unbelievable Facts About Hammy The Squirrel: The Over The Hedge Character Who Broke The Laws Of Physics

The hyperactive, nut-obsessed, and surprisingly profound squirrel from DreamWorks' 2006 animated hit, *Over the Hedge*, is more than just comic relief. Hammy the Squirrel, voiced by the legendary Steve Carell, remains one of the most memorable characters in 21st-century animation, not least for a single, mind-bending scene that has sparked scientific debate and fan theories for years. As of the current date, December 10, 2025, discussions about a potential *Over the Hedge 2* continue to surface, keeping the legacy of this tiny, time-bending hero alive and well. Hammy's boundless energy and innocent curiosity are central to the film's theme, representing the pure, uncorrupted nature that the cynical RJ the raccoon and the cautious Verne the turtle are trying to protect. His character bridges the gap between the wild animals’ fear of the human world and their eventual acceptance of its suburban abundance, all while delivering some of the movie’s most iconic and quotable lines.

Hammy the Squirrel: A Complete Profile and Biography

Hammy is the heart and soul of the woodland crew, a seemingly simple creature whose hyperactivity masks an unexpected depth and, as the film reveals, a unique connection to the laws of time and space.

• Full Name: Hammy the Squirrel
• Species: Red Squirrel
• Age (Estimated): 17 or 18 (based on character trivia)
• First Appearance (Film): Over the Hedge (2006)
• Voice Actor: Steve Carell (in the film and the short film Hammy's Boomerang Adventure)
• Key Characteristics: Hyperactive, innocent, extremely fast, loyal, and obsessed with cookies.
• Signature Quote: "I'm a crazy rabid squirrel! I want my cookies!"
• Notable Scene: The 'Crazy Squirrel' scene where he disables the Depelter Turbo and the 'Super Speed' scene.
• Fun Fact: When the animals first encounter the massive suburban hedge, Hammy suggests they name it "Steve," a subtle nod to his voice actor, Steve Carell.
• Role in the Group: The group's moral compass and unexpected secret weapon.
• Comic Strip Origin: In the original *Over the Hedge* comic strip by Michael Fry and T. Lewis, the squirrel character was initially named Sammy, and Hammy was not one of the main characters at the start. The film's first screenwriter, Len Blum, opted to use the name Hammy.

The Physics-Defying Power of the 'Crazy Squirrel' Scene

The most talked-about moment in *Over the Hedge*, and the one that cemented Hammy's status as a cinematic legend, is his sequence of super-speed. This scene, which occurs during the climax of the film, transforms the lovable, scatterbrained squirrel into a near-omnipotent force.

How Fast is Hammy, Really?

The sequence is triggered when Hammy consumes a massive amount of an energy drink. To the viewer, the world around Hammy appears to stop: the other animals, the humans, and even the villainous exterminator's laser grid are frozen in time. Only Hammy can move freely. This single moment has launched countless fan theories and mathematical analyses across the internet, attempting to calculate Hammy's actual speed. * The Time Dilation Theory: If the world truly stops for Hammy, he is essentially moving at a speed that makes time dilation an observable effect. Some calculations suggest that for Hammy to perceive the world as frozen, he would have to be moving at a fraction of the speed of light—a speed that would allow him to circumnavigate the globe in a matter of seconds. * The Depelter Turbo Disarmament: During his super-speed run, Hammy’s main task is to disable the Depelter Turbo, the massive, lethal animal trap set by the exterminator, Dwayne LaFontant. Hammy is able to meticulously rewire the complex device, all while the other characters are frozen mid-movement. * The Acorn Hoard: As a final, hilarious touch, Hammy also takes the time to gather a massive hoard of acorns, depositing them into Verne's shell, demonstrating that even with the power of a demigod, his primary instinct remains that of a squirrel. This sequence is a brilliant piece of animation, not just for its visual punch but for elevating a side character into a critical plot device. It transforms Hammy from a simple, hyperactive animal into a character with a unique, unexplainable superpower, adding a layer of topical authority to an otherwise straightforward family film.

From Comic Strip to CGI Star: Hammy's Evolution and Legacy

Hammy's journey from the pages of a newspaper comic to a major DreamWorks character is a testament to his infectious appeal. The original *Over the Hedge* comic strip, which debuted in 1995, focused mainly on the dynamic between RJ the raccoon and Verne the turtle.

Steve Carell's Iconic Performance

One of the main reasons for the film character's lasting impact is the voice work of Steve Carell. Carell, known for his improvisational genius, brought a manic, yet sweet, energy to the role that perfectly captured the essence of the hyperactive red squirrel. * The Voice Recording Process: Carell reportedly "gleefully" adopted the role, finding the process of recording the voice for an animated feature very exciting. His performance is often cited as one of the highlights of the film, providing a perfect blend of high-energy comedy and genuine emotion. * Critical Reception: Critics and audiences alike praised Hammy as a standout character. His lines, such as his ability to "burp my ABCs," quickly became fan favorites. The character's innocence serves as a powerful contrast to the cynicism of RJ and the neurosis of Verne.

The Enduring Appeal and Sequel Speculation

Despite the film's commercial success, *Over the Hedge* never received a direct theatrical sequel, unlike other DreamWorks properties such as *Kung Fu Panda* or *Madagascar*. This lack of a follow-up has only fueled fan desire for more of the woodland crew. Speculation for an *Over the Hedge 2* has continued to circulate, with some fan wikis and discussions mentioning a potential release date in the 2025 timeframe. While nothing official has been confirmed by DreamWorks Animation, the ongoing chatter proves that the characters—especially Hammy—still hold a significant place in pop culture. Hammy's legacy is not just about his speed or his comedic timing, but his ability to embody pure, unadulterated joy and loyalty. He is the ultimate reminder that sometimes, the simplest and most innocent among us are the ones who possess the greatest power. Whether he is stealing cookies from the Girl Scouts or saving his friends from the Depelter Turbo, Hammy the Squirrel remains a beloved, hyperactive icon of animated cinema.