The A-List Voices Behind 'Sing': Where Are The Actors Now? (December 2025 Update)

The *Sing* movie franchise, from Illumination Entertainment, features one of the most recognizable and musically gifted ensemble casts in modern animation history. The films, *Sing* (2016) and *Sing 2* (2021), have captivated global audiences not only with their heartwarming stories of ambition and overcoming fear but also because the A-list actors actually perform all their own spectacular singing, a rare feat in Hollywood. As of December 2025, fan anticipation for *Sing 3* remains high, with the latest updates confirming the next installment is deep in development. This article dives into the incredible talent behind the beloved animated characters—from the ever-optimistic koala Buster Moon to the shy, powerhouse elephant Meena—and reveals the surprising, real-life connections their voice roles had to their careers.

Full Cast & Character Profile: The Voice Actors’ Biographies

The success of the *Sing* films hinges entirely on the vocal performances of its celebrity cast. Here is a detailed look at the core ensemble, their characters, and their impressive real-world profiles, fulfilling the requirement for a complete biographical list.

• Matthew McConaughey (Buster Moon)
  • Born: November 4, 1969, in Uvalde, Texas.
  • Career Highlights: Oscar winner for *Dallas Buyers Club* (2013). Known for roles in *Dazed and Confused*, *Interstellar*, and the TV series *True Detective*. He is also an author and a professor at the University of Texas at Austin.
  • Character: An eternally optimistic koala and the owner of the Moon Theater, whose passion is matched only by his questionable business sense.
• Reese Witherspoon (Rosita)
  • Born: March 22, 1976, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • Career Highlights: Oscar winner for *Walk the Line* (2005). Star and producer of hit series like *Big Little Lies* and *The Morning Show*. She is also a successful entrepreneur with her own media company, Hello Sunshine.
  • Character: A domestic pig and an overworked mother of 25 piglets, who rediscovers her passion for singing and dancing.
• Scarlett Johansson (Ash)
  • Born: November 22, 1984, in Manhattan, New York.
  • Career Highlights: One of the world's highest-paid actresses. Known globally as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She is also an accomplished singer, having released two studio albums.
  • Character: A punk rock porcupine who learns to stand up for herself and perform her own original songs after being overshadowed by her ex-boyfriend.
• Taron Egerton (Johnny)
  • Born: November 10, 1989, in Birkenhead, England.
  • Career Highlights: Golden Globe winner for his portrayal of Elton John in the musical biopic *Rocketman* (2019). Known for the *Kingsman* film franchise.
  • Character: A sensitive, musically talented teenage gorilla who is torn between his love for singing and his family's criminal expectations.
• Tori Kelly (Meena)
  • Born: December 14, 1992, in Wildomar, California.
  • Career Highlights: Two-time Grammy-winning American singer-songwriter. She gained initial recognition on YouTube and later competed on *American Idol*. She signed with Epic Records in 2023.
  • Character: A timid but incredibly talented elephant with a powerful voice, who struggles with severe stage fright.
• Bono (Clay Calloway)
  • Born: May 10, 1960, in Dublin, Ireland.
  • Career Highlights: Lead vocalist of the legendary rock band U2. A well-known activist and philanthropist. *Sing 2* marked his feature film acting debut.
  • Character: A reclusive rock star lion who lost his muse after the death of his wife, and is sought out by the gang to join their new show.

The Singing Sensation: How 'Sing' Launched and Relaunched Careers

One of the most compelling aspects of the *Sing* franchise is the commitment of the actors to perform their characters' musical numbers live, without using professional singers. This choice by writer-director Garth Jennings elevated the film from a standard animated feature to a true musical showcase.

The dedication to authentic vocal performance had a direct and surprising impact on the careers of several cast members, proving the film's influence extends far beyond the animated world. This narrative thread is a key piece of the movie's topical authority.

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Taron Egerton's Path to 'Rocketman'

Perhaps the most famous example is Taron Egerton. His vocal performance as Johnny, particularly his rendition of Elton John's "I'm Still Standing" in the first *Sing* movie, was instrumental in his casting as the iconic singer in the 2019 biopic, *Rocketman*.

Elton John himself heard Egerton's performance and was reportedly convinced that they had found the right person for the lead role. This unique, full-circle moment highlights the power of the *Sing* franchise as a platform for its actors' musical talents. Egerton's powerful voice, which blends pop and soul influences for Johnny, became his ticket to a Golden Globe-winning role.

Scarlett Johansson: The Punk Rock Porcupine

Scarlett Johansson’s character, Ash, is a fan favorite for her defiant punk-rock attitude. The actress, who has a genuine background in music and released the album *Anywhere I Lay My Head* in 2008, brought a raw edge to the character.

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Her signature original song from the first film, "Set It All Free," became an anthem for self-empowerment, while in *Sing 2*, she performed the U2 classic "Stuck In a Moment You Can't Get Out Of" alongside Bono's character, Clay Calloway.

Behind-the-Scenes Secrets and the Road to 'Sing 3'

The production of the *Sing* movies is filled with fascinating details, from personal family connections to major updates on the next installment.

Family Cameos and Personal Connections

Matthew McConaughey, who voices the koala Buster Moon, shared a heartwarming detail about the production of *Sing 2*. His daughter, Vida, had a small voice cameo in the sequel.

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McConaughey also noted a personal connection to his character, Buster Moon, relating to the theme of rejection and having to prove yourself, which he faced early in his own career. This depth of feeling helps ground the koala’s relentless determination.

The Shy Elephant and the Grammy Winner

Tori Kelly, who voices the timid elephant Meena, is a two-time Grammy winner in real life. Her character's journey from debilitating stage fright to a show-stopping performer mirrors the actress’s own powerful vocal capabilities.

In 2024, Kelly released her self-titled album *Tori*, showcasing her continued career evolution in the music industry. Her recent projects keep the character of Meena, the elephant with Puerto Rican roots, fresh in the minds of fans.

The Unexpected Departure of a Major Star

While the main cast largely returned for *Sing 2*, Seth MacFarlane, who voiced the crooning mouse Mike in the original *Sing*, was notably absent from the sequel. MacFarlane later revealed that the decision was a creative one by the studio, which wanted to focus the sequel’s narrative on the main ensemble’s journey to Redshore City. This detail shows the creative evolution of the franchise under director Garth Jennings.

What We Know About 'Sing 3'

Fans eagerly await the next chapter in the Buster Moon saga. The latest official update, confirmed in an April 2023 interview with Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri, is that *Sing 3* is "deep in development."

While no release date or plot details have been officially announced, it is highly anticipated that the core cast—McConaughey, Witherspoon, Johansson, Egerton, and Kelly—will all reprise their roles. The continuation of the franchise will likely explore the next big stage for Buster Moon and his New Moon Theater crew, potentially bringing in new high-profile musical entities to challenge or join the group, following the successful integration of Bono's character, Clay Calloway, in the second film. The future is bright for the beloved musical menagerie.