“Sing” is not a Disney movie. It is an animated musical film produced by Illumination Entertainment and distributed by Universal Pictures. The movie was released in 2016 and features a variety of anthropomorphic animals participating in a singing competition. The film includes numerous popular songs performed by the characters and has been well-received for its animation, voice acting, and soundtrack.

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No. It was released by Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures.

Answered from Tamara Wilhite

Is Sing A Disney Movie?

Sing is an upbeat animated film featuring singing animal characters in a music competition. With its cartoon animals and musical themes, it may seem like a Disney film at first glance. But is Sing actually a Disney production or not? Let's clarify who created this crowd-pleasing movie.

What animation studio made Sing?

Sing was produced by Illumination Entertainment. Illumination is an animation studio founded in 2007 by Chris Meledandri. It is not part of or owned by Disney.

Illumination creates CGI-animated films through its studios in Paris, France and Santa Monica, California. Despicable Me, The Secret Life of Pets, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, and Sing are some of their major releases.

Who distributed and released Sing?

While Disney releases its animated films through its own studios, Sing was distributed and released worldwide by Universal Pictures.

Illumination Entertainment has an exclusive partnership with Universal and releases all its movies through them. Disney had no role in acquiring, marketing, or launching Sing.

Who wrote and directed Sing?

Sing was written and directed by British filmmaker Garth Jennings. He co-wrote the screenplay with his creative partner Christophe Lourdelet.

Jennings is best known for directing the comedy film Son of Rambow in 2007. He has no association with Disney studios. Sing represented Illumination’s first musical film.

What is the plot of Sing about?

Sing follows a koala named Buster Moon who owns a struggling theater. To save his theater, he launches a singing competition that attracts a motley crew of animal performers looking for a break.

The story has thematic similarities to movies about putting on a show like Disney’s Zootopia. But the script and characters were newly created for Illumination by Jennings and Lourdelet.

Does Sing have any story ties to Disney films?

No, Sing does not continue any Disney storylines or include any Disney references or characters. The premise was conceived as an original standalone film for Illumination Entertainment.

Any similarities to past talking animal movies are coincidental. Sing features all new characters like koala Buster Moon and pig Rosita. It is not part of any Disney canon.

What animation style is used in Sing?

Sing utilizes contemporary CGI 3D animation created by Illumination's artists. The animation does not mimic Disney’s traditional hand-drawn or CGI look.

The character designs in Sing have Illumination's signature aesthetics, seen in the Despicable Me movies. The studio has its own distinct visual style.

Who stars as voice actors in Sing?

The voice cast of Sing includes major stars like Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, John C. Reilly, and Taron Egerton.

None of the main voice cast members are known for roles in Disney films. They were cast specifically for Illumination's production of Sing.

Does Sing feature any Disney songs or music?

No, Sing contains an original soundtrack of over 85 pop and classic rock songs re-imagined to fit the characters. There are no Disney melodies, though the music spans many eras and genres.

The centerpiece song “Faith” was written specifically for the film by Stevie Wonder and Ryan Tedder. The rest are renditions of existing popular hits performed by the animated cast.

Did Sing premiere at Disney theme parks or resorts?

Sing had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2016. It then opened wide in theaters later that December.

Like Illumination’s other movies, Sing had no special early screenings or launch events at Walt Disney World or any Disney venues. It was developed independently and separate from Disney.

Are there any Sing attractions at Disney theme parks?

You will not find any Sing rides, character meet-and-greets, merchandise, or other promotional tie-ins at Disney's parks or hotels.

Since it is not a Disney film, Sing has no presence within Disney's resorts. You’d have to visit the Universal Orlando Resort to experience Sing theming.

Does Sing stream on Disney+ or air on Disney channels?

Sing is currently available for streaming on Peacock and HBO Max. You cannot find it on Disney+ alongside actual Disney productions.

NBCUniversal licensed streaming rights to Sing since it distributed the movie via Universal Pictures. Disney does not have rights to air or stream Sing.

Could Sing ever crossover with Disney animation?

Though extremely unlikely, Illumination and Disney could theoretically partner to allow a Sing cameo or character in a future Disney film.

For example, Who Framed Roger Rabbit incorporated both Disney and Looney Tunes characters. But Disney has never indicated plans for a Sing crossover.

Whatanimation styles are similar to Sing?

If you enjoy the contemporary CGI look and anime-inspired expressions of Sing, check out other Illumination films like The Secret Life of Pets or Disney's own Zootopia which resemble its aesthetic.

Sing shares its slick, bubblegum animation style with 3D movies of the 2010s, departing from Disney’s more classic influences. It established Illumination’s upbeat computer animated approach.

Is Sing appropriate for Disney fans?

Absolutely! Sing contains nothing objectionable for kids and families. The uplifting story and lively characters have general appeal like many Disney films, even if not actually a Disney product.

Fans of all ages who love animated musicals will find Sing to be an enjoyable experience regardless of the studio behind it. It lacks only Disney branding.

So in summary, while often mistaken for one, Sing is not at all a Disney movie. It was independently created by Illumination Entertainment and released through Universal Pictures with no input from Disney. But with its positivity and humor, Sing delivers entertainment sure to delight Disney fans.