Original Trolls Cast and Main Characters
The original Trolls movie, released in 2016, features a prominent voice cast led by Anna Kendrick as Princess Poppy and Justin Timberlake as Branch. The film was produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by 20th Century Fox, with a worldwide box office total exceeding $346 million according to industry tracking sources such as Forbes. The ensemble includes iconic characters like Bridget, King Gristle Jr., and Chef, voiced by a supporting group that includes Zooey Deschanel, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and Christine Baranski.
Anna Kendrick, known for her work in musical films and Broadway, brought a bright, optimistic tone to the lead role of Poppy. Justin Timberlake, a multi-platinum recording artist and actor, voiced Branch, a cautious and colorless troll whose arc drives much of the film's emotional core. The casting process emphasized vocal chemistry and musicality, aligning with the movie's heavy emphasis on pop songs and vibrant animation. The original Trolls cast was widely covered by entertainment outlets for its blend of A-list singing talent and comedic voice actors.
Box Office Performance and Critical Reception
Trolls earned $153.9 million in North America and roughly $192.7 million in other territories, for a global total of $346.6 million as reported by reliable box office aggregators. The film opened at number one in its first weekend and remained in the top ten for multiple weeks, outperforming initial studio projections. Its production budget was estimated at $125 million, making it a profitable venture for DreamWorks Animation and its distribution partners.
On review aggregator sites, the original Trolls cast received a mixed-to-positive critical reception, with praise directed at the animation style, soundtrack, and voice performances. The movie holds a score in the mid-60s on major review platforms, reflecting a generally favorable audience response. Critics highlighted the visual design and the musical numbers, while some noted a fast-paced narrative that prioritized spectacle over deeper storytelling. The film's commercial success led directly to the announcement of a sequel, Trolls World Tour, and subsequent franchise planning.
Where the Original Trolls Cast Are Now
Anna Kendrick has continued to build her career with roles in major franchises and independent dramas, including recent work in the Twilight series and the musical film adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen. Justin Timberlake remains active in music and film, with new album releases and acting projects, while also maintaining a strong presence in brand partnerships and live performances. Other cast members, such as Zooey Deschanel and Christopher Mintz-Plasse, have taken on varied roles in television and film, with Deschanel starring in her own series and Mintz-Plasse appearing in both comedies and dramatic projects.
The success of the original Trolls cast has contributed to DreamWorks Animation's ongoing franchise strategy, with Trolls World Tour released in 2020 and a third film in development. The franchise's expansion includes merchandise, theme park attractions, and digital content, reflecting the studio's focus on long-term intellectual property value. For current updates on the franchise and the actors' latest projects, you can check the official DreamWorks Animation site and verified entertainment news outlets like those linked on Forbes and other trusted industry pages.