Jason Sudeikis, Bill Hader, Maya Rudolph Flock to ‘Angry Birds’ Movie
SNL alumni Jason Sudeikis, Bill Hader and Maya Rudolph will lead the voice-acting flock of Angry Birds, an animated film adaptation of the hugely addictive video game franchise created by Rovio Entertainment.
On Wednesday, the company detailed the high-profile cast, which also includes Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones), Josh Gad, Danny McBride, current SNL cast member Kate McKinnon, Keegan-Michael Key (Key & Peele), Jillian Bell (Workaholics), Tony Hale (Arrested Development), Latin musician Romeo Santos and stand-up comedians Hannibal Buress and Cristela Alonzo.
Sudeikis will get top bird billing by voicing Red. Other casting specifics include Gad as Chuck, McBride as the explosive Bomb, Hader as a pig, Rudolph as Matilda and Dinklage as the Mighty Eagle. (The latter role feels appropriate, given the Thrones actor’s distinguished vocal style as Tyrion Lannister.)
Sony Pictures revealed the news, along with a visual teaser, through the franchise’s massively popular app. “With two and a half billion gamers around the world, Angry Birds is one of those brands that can drive massive fan engagement,” said Dwight Caines, Sony Pictures’ president of theatrical marketing, in a statement. “That’s why we wanted to bring this unlock to the fans first.” The cast was announced once the game reached “1 billion sling shots.”
Angry Birds will be directed by veteran storyboard artists Fergal Reilly (Spider-Man 2) and Clay Kaytis (Frozen) from a script penned by Jon Vitti (The Simpsons, The Office). The movie’s release date is scheduled for July 1st, 2016.