'The Secret Life of Pets' did very well as it earned over $103 million when it opened in the weekend. (Photo : Getty Images/Bryan Bedder)
The hugely successful animated film "Sing" has been green lit for a sequel, Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment confirm. Two of Illumination Entertainment's animated titles, "Minions" and "The Secret Life of Pets," are also getting sequels and their release dates have been finalized.
"Sing" has been a big hit in terms of box office and critical acclaim. The film scored $429 million worldwide and earned $250 million domestically, Variety reported. The film features the voices of stars Matthew McConaughey, Scarlett Johansson, Reese Witherspoon, John C. Reilly, Seth McFarlane, Taron Egerton and Tori Kelly, who appear as animals competing in a singing competition hosted by McConaughey's character.
"It's about not being inhibited and not being ruled by fear. The characters in this movie are, I think, extremely brave characters. The kind of characters that you want kids to be watching on the big screen," Egerton tells ComingSoon about the film.
Despite its late December release, "Sing" managed to generate enough buzz to get it recognized for this year's awards season. The film earned a nomination for Best Animated Movie at the 2017 Golden Globes, but lost the bet to Disney's "Zootopia."
In the upcoming 2017 Kids Choice Awards, Witherspoon is nominated for Favorite Voice for an Animated Movie and Most Wanted Pet categories.
The movie, despite being set in a fantasy world where animals live life as humans do, is getting positive reviews for how realist and down to Earth the entire storyline is.
"Not only are they showcasing their character's talent and ability at their highest point, they are also kind of wrapping up their story in some way. So there is an emotional depth to it," director Garth Jennings said about the film.
Jennings added that the characters go through the same human motions of being invested in their lives, their relationships and the conflict that goes on in between, but when the characters begin to sing they become someone viewers will want to root for.
On the other hand, Illumination Entertainment's "The Secret Life of Pets 2" has been set for July 4, 2019 weekend release date, while "Minions 2" will get a July 4, 2020 weekend opening.
"Sing 2" will open in theaters on Dec. 25, 2020.
