Hammy From Over The Hedge: 7 Shocking Facts About The Hyper-Speed Squirrel (Is He DreamWorks' Fastest Character?)

Hammy the squirrel, the hyperactive, nut-obsessed tritagonist of DreamWorks' Over the Hedge, remains one of the most beloved and endlessly quotable animated characters nearly two decades after his debut. Since the film's release, fans have debated a central mystery: is Hammy's incredible speed merely a comedic exaggeration, or does he possess actual superpowers that make him one of the strongest creatures in the entire DreamWorks universe?

As of December 2025, interest in the furry protagonist is surging, fueled by recent speculation that DreamWorks Animation is considering a revival of the franchise, similar to what they have done with other popular properties. This has brought Hammy's unique blend of childlike innocence and near-superhuman agility back into the spotlight, prompting a deep dive into the true nature of the squirrel who once suggested naming the massive suburban hedge "Steve."

Hammy The Squirrel: A Quick Biography and Profile

Hammy’s character is a masterclass in comedic timing, primarily due to the unique vocal performance that brings him to life. He is a key member of the forest family led by Verne the turtle and is often the source of both comic relief and unexpected heroism.

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• Full Name: Hammy the Squirrel
• Species: Eastern Gray Squirrel
• First Appearance: Over the Hedge (2006)
• Key Role: Tritagonist (Third most important character after RJ and Verne)
• Voice Actor: Steve Carell (Known for *The Office*, *Despicable Me*, and *Anchorman*)
• Defining Trait: Severe hyperactivity and an obsession with nuts, often forgetting what he is doing mid-sentence.
• Signature Moment: Consuming a caffeinated energy drink and experiencing time at a near-standstill.
• Home: The forest behind the massive hedge, now living near the human suburb.
• Relationship with Other Characters: He is highly loyal to Verne and RJ, often assisting RJ on his food-stealing "heists."

The 5 Shocking Secrets Behind Hammy’s Super-Speed

The most enduring element of Hammy’s legend is his speed. While he is generally hyperactive, his true power is only unleashed in a single, iconic scene at the climax of the film. This moment has led to serious fan debates comparing him to established comic book speedsters like The Flash and Quicksilver.

1. The Caffeine Catalyst

Hammy’s ultimate speed is not a natural state but is triggered by caffeine. In the final confrontation with the exterminator, Dwayne LaFontant, Hammy consumes a massive amount of an energy drink. This substance acts as a catalyst, pushing his already high metabolism into overdrive, granting him temporary, yet absolute, super-speed.

2. The Time-Stop Effect

When Hammy is at his fastest, the world around him appears to stop completely. He is shown walking, running, and even interacting with objects while the other characters and the villain are completely frozen mid-motion. This is not mere fast running; it’s a perception of time that is so slowed down that he can strategically disarm traps and relocate objects, making him virtually unstoppable.

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3. He’s Considered DreamWorks' Strongest Creature

Due to the near-omnipotent nature of his time-stopping speed, Hammy is often cited in fan communities as one of the most powerful, if not the single strongest, creature in the entire DreamWorks animated canon. His ability to manipulate the flow of time (from his perspective) gives him an advantage that few other characters in the studio's history can match, turning a simple squirrel into a tactical powerhouse.

4. The "Steve" Inside Joke

One of the most charming pieces of trivia about Hammy’s speed is the subtle nod to his voice actor, Steve Carell. When the animals first encounter the massive hedge that separates their forest from the suburb, Hammy suggests they name it "Steve." This is an affectionate fourth-wall break, acknowledging the comedic genius behind the character who delivers his lines with such a distinctive, high-pitched, and manic energy.

5. The *Hammy Goes Nuts!* Video Game

Hammy's popularity extended beyond the big screen into the video game world. He was a playable character in the movie tie-in game, and he was the star of his own spin-off title, *Over the Hedge: Hammy Goes Nuts!* This game further cemented his status as a fan favorite, capitalizing on his chaotic energy and quest for food.

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The Latest on *Over the Hedge 2* and Hammy’s Future in DreamWorks

Despite being a financial success, *Over the Hedge* never received a sequel or a television series, unlike other DreamWorks franchises such as *Trolls* or *Kung Fu Panda*. The co-creator of the original comic strip, Michael Fry, even gave an explanation for the sequel’s absence back in 2010.

However, the conversation has shifted in recent years. As of late 2025, there is growing chatter that DreamWorks is "considering reviving" the property. This speculation is based on the studio's recent efforts to revisit and reboot other beloved titles, like the *Megamind* and *Abominable* franchises. While no official sequel announcement has been made, the idea of an *Over the Hedge 2* featuring a new adventure for RJ, Verne, and Hammy is a very real possibility.

If a sequel were to be greenlit, Hammy’s role would undoubtedly be central. Fans would be eager to see how his unique abilities have developed and if he has learned to control his "superpowers" without the need for a caffeine boost. The potential for new, hilarious moments with Steve Carell returning to voice the character would certainly make a sequel an instant hit.

Hammy's Most Iconic Quotes and Underrated Moments

Hammy is a goldmine of memorable lines that perfectly capture his chaotic and innocent nature. These quotes are essential for understanding the character’s topical authority and appeal:

• "I've had dirt, I don't like dirt, it tastes like dirt!" – A classic Hammy moment where he expresses his simple, yet profound, confusion about a new food source.
• "Less claw, more pad." – A line delivered to Hammy by RJ during one of their elaborate heists, highlighting the squirrel's lack of finesse and reliance on pure, unbridled energy.
• "Ohh ho ho ho! Well, this cookie's junk!" – Said during the famous "Cookie Heist" scene, where Hammy is briefly excited by a treat before realizing it's not the quality food he was hoping for.

Beyond the quotes, Hammy’s most underrated moment is arguably when he spots the massive, newly-built hedge for the very first time. His simple, wide-eyed curiosity is the perfect foil to the cynicism of Verne and the opportunism of RJ, setting the tone for the entire film's conflict between nature and suburbia. His personality, despite being easily distracted, is fundamentally good-natured, making him the heart of the main trio.

In conclusion, Hammy the squirrel is more than just a hyperactive sidekick; he is a comedic force of nature voiced by a legendary actor, capable of feats that challenge the limits of the animated world. Whether DreamWorks revives the franchise or not, Hammy’s legacy as the squirrel who stopped time will endure, leaving fans always wondering what amazing, caffeinated chaos he might cause next.