Universal Studios and Illumination Entertainment have announced that Reese Witherspoon and Scarlett Johansson shall join Matthew McConaughey as the voice talent for their animated comedy – ‘Sing’ – which is due for release in 2016.
Sing focuses on a Koala named Buster (McConaughey) who tries to drum up competition for his theatre by involving his best friend in organising a singing competition.
Contestants include a mouse (Seth MacFarlane), a shy teenage elephant (Tori Kelly), a stressed out mother with too many piglets to care for (Reese Witherspoon), a gangster gorilla (Taron Egerton), and a porcupine with attitude (Scarlett Johansson). The film will also involve the voice talents of John C Reilly (Wreck It Ralph, Step Brothers) and Jon Robert Hall (Glee).
Sing is to be directed by Garth Jennings, who is known for Son of Rambow and Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, as well as being known for producing music videos for R.E.M and Blur, which bodes well for a film about music. Animation producer Janet Healy is on board, known for Minions, Despicable Me, Despicable Me 2 and The Lorax.
The film comes with a wealth of animation experience and an established production team which brings with it a confidence that Sing will be a treat for audiences. With 85 songs as part of the film, it will be a wonder how any dialogue is fitted in. Illumination Entertainment have displayed their animation pedigree this year making $1.15 billion with Minions and there is anticipation around their upcoming film The Secret Life of Pets.
Sing is currently set for release on the 21 December 2016.