The Ultimate Guide To The Trolls Cast: Voices, Stars, And Behind-the-Scenes Magic

Ever wondered who brings the vibrant, singing, dancing world of Trolls to life? The magic of DreamWorks Animation's 2016 hit isn't just in its rainbow-colored hair and infectious soundtrack—it's in the incredible trolls cast that gives these iconic dolls their unforgettable personalities. From Hollywood A-listers to music superstars, the voice talent behind this jukebox musical comedy is as star-studded as it gets. Whether you're a die-hard fan curious about every credit or a newcomer to the Trolls universe, this deep dive will uncover every actor, singer, writer, and animator who crafted this beloved film. Get ready to discover the full roster of talent that made Trolls a global phenomenon.

The Magic of Trolls: More Than Just a Movie

Before we unpack the cast list, it’s essential to understand what makes Trolls such a unique animated feature. Released in 2016 by DreamWorks Animation, Trolls is based on the iconic Good Luck Trolls doll line created by Thomas Dam. But the film transforms these simple toys into a full-blown, emotionally resonant adventure. It’s a jukebox musical comedy, meaning its narrative is built around a curated soundtrack of popular songs, from Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September,” all reimagined with hilarious and heartfelt twists.

The film’s premise is deceptively simple but packed with heart. It follows two Trolls—the eternally optimistic Queen Poppy and the overly cautious, gray-haired Branch—who must embark on a perilous mission to save their friends from the gloomy, munching Bergens. Their journey is a classic buddy-comedy road trip, but with a vibrant, musical twist. This setup allows the trolls cast to showcase not just their vocal acting chops but also their impressive singing talents, blending character work with powerhouse musical performances. The film’s success, both critically and commercially, hinged on this perfect alchemy of story, song, and star power.

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A Jukebox Musical Extravaganza: Setting the Stage

The decision to make Trolls a jukebox musical was a masterstroke. Instead of original songs (though there are a few), the film uses familiar hits to underscore emotional beats and comedic moments. This approach makes the story instantly accessible. When Poppy belts out “September” to lift spirits, or when the Bergens perform a darkly comedic take on “True Colors,” the audience already has an emotional connection to the music. This required a voice cast that could act, sing, and, crucially, deliver comedic timing. Not every actor can do all three, but DreamWorks assembled a team that could.

The animation style itself is a character. With hair that defies physics and a world bursting with texture—from the fuzzy Trolls to the gritty, felt-like Bergens—the visual design demanded voice performances that matched its tactile, handmade aesthetic. The trolls cast had to sound like they were made of felt and optimism, or burlap and grumpiness. This synergy between visual and vocal design is why the film feels so cohesive. Every squeak, giggle, and sigh from the actors feels perfectly synced to the whimsical animation.

The Star-Studded Voice Cast: Leading the Charge

At the forefront of the trolls cast are two actors who anchor the entire film with their dynamic chemistry.

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Anna Kendrick as Queen Poppy

Anna Kendrick, known for her roles in Pitch Perfect and Up in the Air, voices the protagonist, Queen Poppy. Poppy is the embodiment of relentless optimism, a leader who believes in hugs, songs, and the inherent goodness of everyone—even the Bergens. Kendrick’s performance is a revelation. She injects Poppy with a bright, piping energy that never becomes grating. Her vocal range is on full display, from squeaky, excited chirps to powerful, belted musical numbers like “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” (the film’s original song by Justin Timberlake) and her poignant solo “True Colors.” Kendrick makes Poppy’s naivete feel heroic and her eventual disillusionment genuinely heartbreaking. She is the emotional core of the film.

Justin Timberlake as Branch

Opposite Kendrick is Justin Timberlake as Branch. This was Timberlake’s first major voice acting role, and he nailed it. Branch is a survivalist, a Troll who has suppressed his colorful nature and embraced a gray, cautious existence after a childhood trauma. Timberlake gives Branch a dry, weary, yet deeply felt vocal quality. His singing is smooth and soulful, contrasting perfectly with Poppy’s bubblegum-pop style. Their duets, especially “September,” showcase their vocal interplay and the growing bond between their characters. Timberlake proves that his musical genius translates seamlessly into animated character work, adding layers of humor and pathos to what could have been a one-note grump.

The Supporting Ensemble: A Cast of Scene-Stealers

A great lead duo needs an incredible supporting cast, and Trolls delivers in spades. The trolls cast list reads like a who’s who of comedy and music.

Zooey Deschanel as Bridget

Zooey Deschanel voices Bridget, the shy, kind-hearted Bergen scullery maid who befriends the Trolls. Deschanel’s signature “adorkable” charm is perfect for Bridget, who hides a beautiful singing voice under layers of insecurity. Her performance of “True Colors” is arguably the film’s emotional climax, a moment of pure vulnerability that Deschanel delivers with breathtaking sincerity. She provides the crucial human (well, Bergen) connection that drives the plot’s central romance.

Russell Brand as Chef

Russell Brand is hilariously unhinged as Chef, the Bergen royal chef who is obsessed with eating Trolls. His voice is a gravelly, theatrical, and maniacal delight. Brand’s comedic timing is impeccable, turning every line about “Troll cuisine” into a laugh-out-loud moment. He represents the absurd, over-the-top villainy that fits the film’s cartoonish tone.

James Corden as Biggie

James Corden voices Biggie, a large, friendly Troll with a pronounced British accent who is constantly accompanied by his pet worm, Mr. Dinkles. Corden brings a warm, jovial, and slightly anxious energy to Biggie. His physical comedy is translated brilliantly into vocal tics and exclamations. The dynamic between Biggie and the hyperactive Mr. Dinkles (voiced by director Mike Mitchell) is a consistent source of humor.

Gwen Stefani as DJ Suki

Music icon Gwen Stefani makes her voice acting debut as DJ Suki, a Troll who spins tunes on a turntable made from a flower. Stefani brings her signature punk-pop edge and cool-girl vibe to the role. Her character design, with vibrant red and yellow hair and a headset, feels like an animated version of Stefani herself. She performs on the track “September” and embodies the film’s fusion of music and character.

Beyond the Main Cast: The Deep Bench of Talent

The trolls cast goes far beyond the top-billed names. The film features over 40 credited voice actors, many of whom are famous for other iconic roles.

• Christopher Mintz-Plasse voices the dim-witted Bergen guard, Cooper. His signature high-energy, slightly clueless delivery is perfect for the role.
• John Cleese, the legendary comedian from Monty Python and Fawlty Towers, voices King Gristle Jr.’s father, King Gristle Sr. His posh, booming, and utterly ridiculous royal voice is a comedic highlight.
• Jeffrey Tambor lends his distinctive voice to the Bergens’ king, providing a blustery, self-important, yet ultimately silly monarch.
• Ester Dean and Ron Funches voice Trolls named Satin and Chenille, twin Trolls with a flair for fashion. Their back-and-forth banter is fast-paced and funny.
• Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory) voices a Troll named Guy Diamond, known for his glittery, naked appearance and Auto-Tuned singing voice—a brilliant meta-joke.
• Glenn Close has a memorable cameo as the grim, fatalistic Bergen grandmother, delivering lines with deadpan, macabre hilarity.

This depth of casting ensures that even minor characters feel distinct and memorable, enriching the world-building. Each actor’s unique vocal signature adds a layer to the tapestry of Trolls Valley and Bergen Castle.

The Creative Minds Behind the Scenes: Directors, Writers, and Producers

A film’s voice cast is only one part of the equation. The trolls cast also includes the essential creative team that shaped the story, look, and sound.

Direction: Mike Mitchell

The film was directed by Mike Mitchell, who also provides the voice for Mr. Dinkles, Biggie’s pet worm. Mitchell is known for directing comedies like Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo and Sky High, as well as the animated Kung Fu Panda 2. His background in both live-action comedy and animation made him the perfect fit for Trolls’ tone—silly, heartfelt, and visually inventive. His dual role as director and voice actor shows his hands-on involvement in every aspect of the film’s personality.

Writing: Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger

The screenplay was written by the duo Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger, who are also known for their work on the Kung Fu Panda series. They expertly balance broad comedy with genuine emotional stakes. Their script takes the simple premise of “different people must work together” and layers it with themes of trauma, optimism, and found family. The dialogue is sharp, filled with puns and pop-culture references that appeal to kids and adults alike. They are the architects of the story that the trolls cast brings to life.

Music: Christopher Willis and the Soundtrack Team

The film’s infectious score was composed by Christopher Willis, but the real magic is in the song adaptations. Music supervisor Kathy Nelson and music producer Mike Daly curated and arranged the pop-song covers. The task was to make songs like “Hello” by Lionel Richie or “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor fit the narrative and characters. For example, “I Will Survive” becomes a triumphant anthem for Poppy after a moment of despair. This musical adaptation required close collaboration with the trolls cast to ensure the performances served the story.

Production: DreamWorks Animation

Of course, the film was produced by DreamWorks Animation, the studio behind Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, and Kung Fu Panda. The production team, including producer Gina Shay, oversaw the monumental task of animating a world with such specific textural demands. The animators developed new techniques to simulate the fuzzy, hairy Trolls and the felt-like Bergens, creating a look that was both tactile and digital. Every frame is a testament to their artistry.

The Complete Trolls Cast & Crew: Your Definitive Reference

So, where can you see the exhaustive list of everyone involved? The most authoritative source is IMDb (Internet Movie Database). On the Trolls (2016) IMDb page, you’ll find:

• The full cast list with all 40+ voice actors, including their specific character roles.
• The complete crew list for every department: animation, art, costume design, editing, sound, visual effects, and more.
• Character bios and images for each Troll and Bergen.
• Trivia, goofs, and quotes from the film.
• User reviews and ratings.

This is the ultimate resource for any fan or researcher. You can see exactly who voiced the background Trolls, who was the lead animator on Branch, or who designed Poppy’s iconic hair. It’s a fascinating look into the thousands of hours of work that go into a single animated film. For the most current and detailed information, see the list of actors, directors, writers, producers, composers, and more on IMDb.

From Shrek to Trolls: The DreamWorks Legacy

The marketing for Trolls often used the tagline: “From the creators of Shrek comes the most smart, funny and irreverent animated comedy of the year.” This is a powerful claim, and it’s true. DreamWorks Animation in the 2010s had found a sweet spot with its brand of comedy: emotionally resonant stories wrapped in layers of slapstick, pop-culture satire, and stunning visuals. Shrek revolutionized animation by proving that fairy tales could be subverted with humor and heart. Trolls follows in that tradition.

It takes a familiar concept—cute, happy dolls—and flips it. The Trolls aren’t just happy; they are aggressively joyful, to the point of being oblivious to danger. The Bergens are the opposite: perpetually miserable. The film’s genius is in finding the common ground. It argues that true happiness isn’t about ignoring sadness but acknowledging it and choosing joy anyway. This philosophical depth, delivered through catchy songs and a vibrant trolls cast, is what elevates it beyond a simple kids’ movie. It’s a film about emotional intelligence disguised as a glittery party.

The Mission: Adventure, Mishaps, and Tolerance

Let’s return to the core plot: The film follows two trolls, Poppy and Branch, who go on a mission to rescue their friends from the Bergens. This isn’t just a rescue; it’s a forced buddy comedy. Their mission is full of adventure and mishaps, as this mismatched duo try to tolerate each other long enough to get the job done.

This “road trip” structure is classic, and the trolls cast sells every step of it. Their journey takes them through the desolate, troll-eating wasteland, into the bustling Bergen castle, and finally to the grand, terrifying feast. Along the way, they are joined by the rest of the Trolls cast—Biggie, Cooper, Satin and Chenille, Guy Diamond—creating a chaotic, loving found family. The “mishaps” are visual gags (Branch’s gray camouflage, the Trolls hiding in a soup tureen) and verbal comedy (Poppy’s relentless positivity clashing with Branch’s grim realism). The “adventure” is both physical (escaping spiders, sneaking through vents) and emotional, as Branch confronts his past trauma and Poppy learns that optimism has its limits. Their eventual understanding—that they need each other’s strengths—is the film’s true victory.

Why the Casting Was So Crucial

Animated films live or die by their voice performances. A mediocre voice can break the illusion. For Trolls, the casting was arguably its greatest asset. Here’s why each choice was so effective:

1. Singing Ability: This was non-negotiable. Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake are both accomplished singers. Kendrick’s Broadway background gave her the control for Poppy’s wide emotional range. Timberlake’s R&B/pop stylings made Branch’s moments of vulnerability land with soulful weight. Even actors like Zooey Deschanel and Gwen Stefani, known primarily as actors and musicians respectively, delivered performances that felt authentic and powerful.
2. Comedic Timing: The script is packed with jokes, many visual. The voice actors had to land punchlines with perfect timing. Russell Brand’s manic rants, James Corden’s flustered exclamations, and John Cleese’s pompous declarations all require a mastery of comedic rhythm.
3. Character Differentiation: With so many Trolls, each needed a distinct vocal identity. The filmmakers achieved this through accents (Biggie’s British, Cooper’s Valley Boy), speech patterns (Guy Diamond’s Auto-Tune), and vocal tone (the smooth Satin vs. the raspy Chenille). The trolls cast is a masterclass in creating a chorus of unique voices from a limited visual palette.

Exploring the World: Trolls Valley and Bergen Castle

The trolls cast doesn’t just voice characters; they inhabit a fully realized world. Trolls Valley is a place of constant, chaotic celebration. The background Trolls, voiced by a large ensemble of actors, create a living, breathing community of constant song and dance. You can hear snippets of conversation, giggles, and off-screen singing that make the world feel immense. In contrast, Bergen Castle is a place of muted colors, silence, and grim routine. The voice work here is subdued, with the Bergens speaking in grunts, sighs, and declarations about Troll cuisine. The stark audio contrast between the two societies is a brilliant piece of sound design that reinforces the film’s central theme: the power of music and color versus the numbness of monotony.

The Legacy of the Trolls Cast and Film

Trolls was a massive success, grossing over $346 million worldwide against a $125 million budget. It spawned a sequel, Trolls World Tour (2020), which expanded the universe and cast further, introducing new tribes of Trolls (like the Techno Trolls and Country Trolls) voiced by stars like Mary J. Blige, Anderson .Paak, and Kelly Clarkson. The success of the franchise is a testament to the strength of the original trolls cast and the world they built.

The film also left a cultural footprint. Its soundtrack, led by Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling!,” was a global chart-topper, winning a Grammy and an Academy Award nomination. The film’s message of joy, acceptance, and the power of music resonated deeply, especially in a post-pandemic world where Trolls World Tour went straight to streaming. The trolls cast became synonymous with a specific kind of animated film—one that is unapologetically fun, visually dazzling, and musically infectious.

Your Actionable Guide to Exploring the Trolls Universe

Now that you’re an expert on the trolls cast, here’s how to dive deeper:

1. Watch the Film with New Ears: Re-watch Trolls (and Trolls World Tour) and actively listen. Try to identify each voice actor without looking. Notice how Anna Kendrick’s voice changes when Poppy is happy versus scared. Appreciate the vocal effects on characters like Guy Diamond.
2. Use IMDb as Your Map: Go to the Trolls IMDb page. Click on your favorite actor and see what other projects they’ve done. You’ll discover surprising connections. For instance, did you know that Ester Dean, who voices Satin, is a hugely successful songwriter who wrote hits for Rihanna (“Rude Boy”) and Beyoncé (“Telephone”)?
3. Explore the Soundtrack Separately: Listen to the Trolls soundtrack album. Pay attention to how the vocal performances differ from the original songs. This highlights the skill of the trolls cast and the music producers in adapting the tracks to character.
4. Learn About the Animation: Search for “Trolls animation process” on YouTube. You’ll find fascinating behind-the-scenes videos showing how the animators created the fuzzy Troll hair and the felt textures. This deepens your appreciation for the entire team, not just the voice actors.
5. Follow the Franchise: Keep an eye out for news on Trolls 3. The franchise is ongoing, and new trolls cast members are always being announced. Being a fan means joining a community that celebrates this unique blend of music, comedy, and animation.

Conclusion: The Unbreakable Bond of Voice and Vision

The trolls cast of the 2016 DreamWorks film is more than a list of celebrity names. It is a meticulously assembled ensemble where every voice—from the lead to the most minor background Troll—contributes to a singular, joyful vision. Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake provided the heart and soul, while the supporting cast supplied endless laughter and warmth. But this vocal brilliance was only possible because of the visionary directors, writers, and animators who built a world worth singing for.

From the good luck trolls doll line to a billion-dollar franchise, the journey of Trolls is a case study in successful adaptation. It took a simple toy, infused it with a killer soundtrack, a heartfelt story, and a trolls cast that could sing, act, and comedy with the best of them. The result is a film that doesn’t just entertain children but reminds adults of the simple, radical power of optimism, friendship, and a really good song. So, the next time you watch Poppy and Branch’s adventure, listen closely. You’re hearing the magic of collaboration—the sound of a perfect trolls cast bringing a rainbow-colored world to life, one note at a time.

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Meet the Star-Studded Cast of DreamWorks' Trolls

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Meet the Star-Studded Cast of DreamWorks' Trolls

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Meet the Star-Studded Cast of DreamWorks' Trolls