Sing Nick Kroll
Can a pig truly steal the show? In the world of "Sing" and "Sing 2," Gunter, voiced by the ever-hilarious Nick Kroll, proves that he not only can, but that he does so with unmatched charisma and a whole lot of "piggy power!"
The animated universe created by Illumination has brought us a plethora of memorable characters, but few have resonated quite like Gunter. This effervescent, German-accented pig is far more than mere comic relief; he is a vibrant embodiment of passion, enthusiasm, and the unadulterated joy of performance. From his initial appearance in the 2016 film "Sing" to his continued presence in the 2021 sequel, "Sing 2," Gunter has consistently delivered moments of laughter, heart, and a surprising amount of vocal talent. Nick Kroll's masterful voicing of the character is undoubtedly a major contributing factor to Gunter's success. Kroll, a comedian known for his razor-sharp wit and improvisational skills, infuses the pig with a specific brand of infectious energy that has made him a fan favorite, transcending age and background.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nicholas "Nick" Kroll |
| Date of Birth | June 5, 1978 |
| Place of Birth | Rye, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer |
| Known For | "The Kroll Show", "Big Mouth", Voice of Gunter in "Sing" and "Sing 2" |
| Notable Roles | Gunter (Sing Franchise), Nick Birch/Maurice the Hormone Monster (Big Mouth), Ruxin (The League) |
| Years Active | 2003Present |
| Key Projects | "Big Mouth" (Creator, Voice Actor, Writer, Executive Producer), "The League" (Actor), "Sing" & "Sing 2" (Voice Actor) |
| Accolades | Nominated for multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for "Big Mouth" |
| Associated Acts | John Mulaney, Andrew Goldberg, Maya Rudolph, Jason Mantzoukas |
| Website | IMDB |
The brilliance of Kroll's performance extends beyond simple voice acting. He embodies Gunter's spirit, translating the character's energetic movements and expressive personality into vocal inflections. This is evident not only in the spoken dialogue, but also in the musical numbers. Like all the stars of 'Sing,' Kroll does his own singing in the film, including renditions of Lady Gagas Bad Romance, Taylor Swifts Shake It Off, and other songs. This dedication to the role, and his ability to commit to the songs, adds another layer of authenticity to Gunter, making the character's performances even more captivating. Gunter's passion is infectious, making the audience want to join the dance party, something that Kroll ensures through his masterful execution of the character. In essence, Kroll doesn't just voice Gunter; he becomes him.
The "Sing" franchise, which began with the release of the first film on December 21, 2016, in the United States by Universal Pictures, has proven to be a global phenomenon, and Gunter is a key ingredient in that success. The films appeal spans all ages, thanks to the universal themes of following your dreams, the importance of friendship, and the power of music. The ensemble cast, including Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, John C. Reilly, Taron Egerton, and Tori Kelly, creates a rich tapestry of characters that audiences can easily connect with. The success of "Sing" led to the development of a sequel, with Universal Pictures and Illumination announcing the project on January 25, 2017. The return of writer/director Garth Jennings and producers Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy, along with the original voice cast including Nick Kroll, indicated a dedication to maintaining the magic of the first film. "Sing 2," released in 2021, continued the story, and it showcased that the series was building a strong foundation for future installments as well.
Gunter's significance in the "Sing" universe extends beyond the two main films. He is one of the main characters in illumination's 7th animated feature film "Sing" and its sequel "Sing 2," and the titular main protagonist of the short films "Gunter Babysits" and "For Gunter's Eyes Only." The character's popularity spawned these short films, focusing on his antics and further developing his persona. Moreover, the "Sing" soundtrack, released in 2016 by Republic Records, containing music from Sing (2016), underscored the importance of music within the narrative, and featured Kroll's voice in the songs as well.
Krolls performance as Gunter is a testament to his versatility as a performer. His ability to deliver comedic timing, and his enthusiasm for the role, showcases that his talents go beyond stand-up comedy and sketch shows. Kroll's voice work proves he can add depth and personality to any animated character. In fact, he also created the hit animated show "Big Mouth," where he voices the characters of Nick Birch and Maurice the Hormone Monster, further solidifying his talent in the field of animation. The actor is also an accomplished writer, and executive producer, displaying the full scope of his skills. The character of Gunter, born from this unique combination of talents, is one of the primary reasons the "Sing" franchise continues to be so beloved by audiences.
The longevity and success of the "Sing" franchise, and by extension the character of Gunter, can also be attributed to the quality of the animation and the use of music. The movies' vibrant visuals, coupled with well-known songs, create a feel-good atmosphere that is perfect for families. The fact that Gunter can also do his own singing in the film, including renditions of Lady Gagas Bad Romance, Taylor Swifts Shake It Off, adds an extra layer of appeal to the film, especially for families. The music becomes another character in the story, driving the narrative and helping the audience connect with the emotional core of the film.
The impact of the "Sing" films, including the character of Gunter, goes far beyond entertainment. The films offer valuable lessons about following your dreams and the importance of friendship. Gunter embodies the spirit of never giving up and embracing your individuality. The films have also provided opportunities for children to be exposed to a wide range of musical genres and styles. By watching Gunter and the other characters, children are encouraged to express themselves and find joy in creativity. The ability to deliver such a positive message, combined with the quality of the animation and music, is why the movies have resonated with so many people.
The collaboration between Nick Kroll and Illumination has resulted in a character that is truly special. From the beginning, Kroll has brought the character to life with his own blend of humor, and enthusiasm. His performance embodies the character's piggy power and enthusiasm, ensuring that Gunter remains a beloved figure in the hearts of viewers for years to come. From his appearances in the main films to the short films in the "Sing" universe, Gunter has delivered laughter and heart. His continued presence in the franchise promises more musical moments, more laughs, and a whole lot more "piggy power" to come. And, with Kroll at the helm, Gunter is certain to keep on shining, proving that he is, without a doubt, a star.
The creative process behind Gunter's character design and development is something that added to his overall charm. Gunter is a male pig who is one of the main characters of the movies Sing and Sing 2, serving as the comic relief. His physical appearance, with his expressive face and energetic movements, perfectly complements his personality. The animators designed him to be as expressive as possible, allowing Kroll's voice to blend into the character seamlessly. His German accent adds to his already vibrant personality.
"Sing" was released on December 21, 2016, in the United States by Universal Pictures, and set the stage for an unforgettable animated movie experience. It quickly garnered the attention of the public and critics. The movie was a smash hit, setting the foundation for a franchise that celebrated the arts, and inspired hope. The impact of "Sing" on animated movies helped elevate the standards of animation, with the development of the sequel being announced shortly after.
Kroll isn't just voicing Gunter in "Sing"; he is becoming the character. His performance also included renditions of Lady Gagas Bad Romance, Taylor Swifts Shake It Off. This dedication to the role, and his ability to commit to the songs, adds another layer of authenticity to Gunter, making the character's performances even more captivating. Gunter's passion is infectious, making the audience want to join the dance party, something that Kroll ensures through his masterful execution of the character.
