The A-List Voices: 10 Surprising Actors Who Bring The Sing Movie Characters To Life (And The Latest Sing 3 Update)

The *Sing* movie franchise, created by Illumination Entertainment, has become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its heartwarming stories and incredible musical performances. What many fans might not realize, even as of today, December 10, 2025, is the sheer star power and vocal talent behind the animated characters—especially since the voice actors actually perform their own songs. This is a rare feat in animated musicals, and it’s why the films feel so authentic.

From Oscar-winning actors to Grammy-winning musicians, the cast of *Sing* (2016) and *Sing 2* (2021) is a powerhouse ensemble, led by an optimistic koala and a shy elephant. With the news that *Sing 3* is officially "deep in development," according to Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri in April 2023, now is the perfect time to dive deep into the stars who make the music happen.

The Main Ensemble: Core Cast Biographies and Characters

The success of the *Sing* films rests entirely on the shoulders—and voices—of its main cast. These five actors form the heart of the franchise, each bringing their own celebrity status and genuine singing ability to their animated roles. Here is a detailed look at the core ensemble.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

• Matthew McConaughey as Buster Moon (The Koala)
  • Born: November 4, 1969, Uvalde, Texas, U.S.
  • Notable Works: *Dazed and Confused* (1993), *The Wedding Planner* (2001), *Dallas Buyers Club* (2013, Academy Award winner), *Interstellar* (2014), *True Detective* (TV Series).
  • Role in *Sing*: The ever-optimistic, slightly-delusional koala who owns the Moon Theater and is determined to save it by hosting a grand singing competition. McConaughey brings a unique, laid-back charm to the ambitious theater owner.
• Reese Witherspoon as Rosita (The Pig)
  • Born: March 22, 1976, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
  • Notable Works: *Legally Blonde* (2001), *Walk the Line* (2005, Academy Award winner), *Wild* (2014), *Big Little Lies* (TV Series), and her production company, Hello Sunshine.
  • Role in *Sing*: A super-mom pig with 25 piglets who rediscovers her passion for singing and dancing after being paired with Gunter. Witherspoon performs all of Rosita's songs, including a memorable rendition of "Shake It Off."
• Scarlett Johansson as Ash (The Crested Porcupine)
  • Born: November 22, 1984, New York City, New York, U.S.
  • Notable Works: *Lost in Translation* (2003), *The Avengers* (as Black Widow), *Marriage Story* (2019, Oscar nominee), *JoJo Rabbit* (2019, Oscar nominee).
  • Role in *Sing*: A punk rock porcupine who starts as a reluctant band member and evolves into a powerful solo artist. Johansson, who has also released music albums, fully embodies Ash’s edgy, original rock spirit.
• Taron Egerton as Johnny (The Gorilla)
  • Born: November 10, 1989, Birkenhead, Merseyside, England.
  • Notable Works: *Kingsman: The Secret Service* (2014), *Eddie the Eagle* (2016), and his Golden Globe-winning portrayal of Elton John in the biopic *Rocketman* (2019).
  • Role in *Sing*: A teenage gorilla with a beautiful, soulful voice who wants to escape his family's criminal life to pursue music. Egerton’s powerful vocals are showcased in his rendition of "I'm Still Standing."
• Tori Kelly as Meena (The Elephant)
  • Born: December 14, 1992, Wildomar, California, U.S.
  • Notable Works: Two-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter who gained early recognition on YouTube before a successful mainstream music career.
  • Role in *Sing*: A shy, teenage elephant with an absolutely exquisite, powerful singing voice. Kelly is the only professional singer among the main five, and her character's journey is about overcoming stage fright.

The Unexpected Star Power of the Supporting Cast

While the main five characters drive the plot, the supporting cast of the *Sing* movies is filled with legendary musicians and comedic talents who add incredible depth and humor. The inclusion of these high-profile names is a testament to the franchise's reach.

Bono as Clay Calloway (The Lion)

The biggest new addition in *Sing 2* was the casting of U2 frontman Bono as the voice of Clay Calloway, a reclusive rock star lion. This was a major coup for Illumination, as Bono's involvement allowed the film to feature three U2 songs, including the poignant "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," which Calloway performs with Ash.

Bono’s performance was particularly meaningful, as the character of Clay Calloway is an artist who lost his voice after the death of his wife. This storyline resonated deeply with the film's themes of healing and returning to the light, giving the sequel an emotional anchor that elevated the entire story.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

The Comedic Duo: Mike and Gunter

Two of the most memorable comedic characters are voiced by actors known primarily for their comedy, but who possess surprising vocal chops:

• Seth MacFarlane as Mike (The Mouse): The arrogant white mouse with a huge ego and a Frank Sinatra-esque singing voice. MacFarlane, known for creating *Family Guy*, is a talented crooner in his own right, perfectly capturing the classic jazz style in songs like "My Way."
• Nick Kroll as Gunter (The Pig): The flamboyant, dancing German pig who becomes Rosita's enthusiastic partner. Kroll, a veteran comedian, brings the "piggy power" to Gunter, notably in their energetic performance of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance."

The New Voices of *Sing 2*

*Sing 2* introduced several new characters, expanding the universe and bringing in fresh musical talent:

• Halsey as Porsha Crystal: The daughter of the tyrannical wolf Jimmy Crystal (voiced by Bobby Cannavale). Halsey, a three-time Grammy nominee, brings her powerful pop vocals to Porsha, particularly in the glam-rock anthem "Could Have Been Me."
• Letitia Wright as Nooshy: The street dancer cat who helps Johnny learn his moves. Wright, known for her role as Shuri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, adds another layer of star power, even earning a nomination for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance for her role.

The Future of the Franchise: What We Know About Sing 3

The biggest question for fans right now is when they can expect to see Buster Moon and his crew return. As of the latest updates, *Sing 3* is confirmed to be in "deep in development" at Illumination. This confirmation comes directly from CEO Chris Meledandri, indicating the project is actively moving forward, though no specific release date has been announced yet.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

Given the pattern of the first two films, which were both directed and written by Garth Jennings (also known for *The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy* and *Son of Rambow*), it is highly anticipated that Jennings will return to helm the third installment.

The entire core cast, including Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton, and Tori Kelly, are all expected to reprise their roles. The continuation of the story will likely build upon the massive success of *Sing 2*, which saw the troupe perform a massive, spectacular show in Redshore City. Fans can likely expect an even bigger adventure, more ambitious musical numbers, and perhaps a few new, unexpected celebrity voices to join the ensemble in the coming years.