If the first “Sing” inspired its talented animals and its human audience to go out there and achieve their dreams, then “Sing 2” aims to do something much bigger. Universal Pictures has released the newest trailer for the upcoming musical sequel which covers chart-topping hits from across multiple music genres.
While Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey) helped his talented friends find their fame at a local theater, he’s will need their help to debut a new show at a much bigger and more prestigious venue in a major city.
While Buster may lack the connections to get there, they find a way to get through all of the red tape and make an impossible pitch that a reclusive legendary rock star will appear alongside them. But if Buster fails to deliver, then ruthless mogul Jimmy Crystal (Emmy winner Bobby Cannavale) will drop the roof on him.
The trailer itself focuses mainly on porcupine rocker Ash (Scarlett Johannson) singing a cover of U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” mixed in with clips of other characters and the emotional and physical challenges that they have to face.
Here’s the official plot synopsis:
This holiday season, the new chapter in Illumination’s smash animated franchise arrives with big dreams and spectacular hit songs as the ever-optimistic Buster Moon and his all-star cast of performers prepare to launch their most dazzling stage extravaganza yet …all in the glittering entertainment capital of the world. There’s just one hitch: They first have to persuade the world’s most reclusive rock star—played by global music icon Bono, in his animated film debut—to join them.
Buster (Oscar® winner Matthew McConaughey) has turned the New Moon Theater into a local hit, but Buster has his eyes on a bigger prize: Debuting a new show at the Crystal Tower Theater in glamorous Redshore City.
But with no connections, Buster and his cast—including harried mother Rosita (Oscar® winner Reese Witherspoon), rocker Ash (Scarlett Johansson), earnest Johnny (Taron Egerton), shy Meena (Tori Kelly) and, of course, provocateur Gunter (Nick Kroll)—have to sneak their way into the world-famous Crystal Entertainment offices, run by ruthless mogul Jimmy Crystal (Emmy winner Bobby Cannavale).
In a desperate attempt to get Mr. Crystal’s attention, Gunter spontaneously pitches an outrageous idea that Buster quickly runs with, promising that their new show will star rock legend Clay Calloway (Bono). Problem is, Buster has never met Clay, an artist who shut himself away from the world more than a decade ago after the loss of his wife. Even worse, Buster has failed to realize that Mr. Crystal is an egocentric gangster who would rather drop somebody off the roof of a building than be lied to.
As Gunter helps Buster dream up an out-of-this-world theatrical masterpiece, and the pressure (and sinister threats) from Mr. Crystal mount, Rosita’s leading role in the show gets ripped away and handed to Mr. Crystal’s spoiled daughter, Porsha, played by Grammy-nominated artist Halsey. Desperate to save the show, and his life, Buster embarks on a quest to find Clay and persuade him to return to the stage.
What begins as a dream of big-time success becomes an emotional reminder of the power of music to heal even the most broken heart.
I’ll admit I wasn’t a huge fan of the first, and saw it as more of an animated cover musical. But “Sing 2” looks like it has a little more depth than its predecessor. I only say that because this is just a trailer. But here’s hoping that the entire thing leaves a more lasting impression.
“Sing 2” also features the voice talents of Reese Witherspoon, Taron Egerton, Tori Kelly, Nick Kroll, Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Pharrell Williams, Letitia Wright, Eric André, Chelsea Peretti and Bono.
Written and directed by Gareth Jennings, “Sing 2” opens in theaters on December 22, 2021.
