The Angry Birds Movie 3: YouTube Stars Join Already Star-Studded Cast
The line between digital creators and traditional Hollywood continues to blur as Paramount Pictures announces a star-studded addition to the cast of The Angry Birds Movie 3. In a move that highlights the immense influence of online personalities, YouTube sensations MrBeast and Salish Matter will lend their voices to the upcoming animated feature. They are joined by the veteran digital comedy duo Smosh, who will reprise their roles from the previous films, further cementing the franchise’s connection to the world of new media.
This casting news is more than just a fun announcement; it signifies a strategic decision to integrate some of the internet’s biggest names into a major studio production. The inclusion of these creators reflects an evolving entertainment landscape where digital influence is a powerful asset, capable of drawing massive, built-in audiences to the big screen.
YouTube Stars In Angry Birds 3: New and Returning Digital Talent
The latest casting update for The Angry Birds Movie 3 brings some of the most recognizable names from YouTube into the flock. This strategic move aims to engage a younger, digitally-native audience that has grown up with these creators.
- MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson): As the individual behind YouTube’s most-subscribed channel, MrBeast is a global phenomenon. Known for his elaborate challenges and large-scale philanthropy, his brand is synonymous with viral entertainment. This is not his first foray into voice acting, having made appearances in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and Kung Fu Panda 4. His involvement brings unparalleled reach and marketing potential to the film.
- Salish Matter: A Webby Award-winning content creator, Salish Matter has built a massive following with her engaging and family-friendly content. As a co-founder of the beauty brand Sincerely Yours, she is also a successful entrepreneur. Her inclusion appeals directly to a young demographic and adds another popular digital creator to the roster.
- Smosh (Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox): As pioneers of YouTube comedy, Smosh has been a staple of the platform for nearly two decades. Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox will be reprising their roles as Hal and Bubbles, respectively, which they voiced in the previous films. Their return provides a sense of continuity and bridges the gap between the established franchise and the new wave of digital talent.
These YouTube stars in Angry Birds Movie 3 will join an already impressive cast of Hollywood actors, including Jason Sudeikis as Red, Josh Gad as Chuck, and Danny McBride as Bomb, creating a powerful blend of traditional and new media talent.
The Evolution of Celebrity Casting
The decision to cast prominent YouTubers in a major animated film is a clear reflection of a larger industry trend. For years, Hollywood has relied on star power to market its films, but the definition of a “star” has expanded significantly. Digital creators like MrBeast command audiences that rival, and in some cases surpass, those of traditional movie stars. His main YouTube channel alone has hundreds of millions of subscribers, representing a massive, highly engaged potential audience.
By including these creators, Paramount Pictures is not just adding voices to a cast; it is tapping into dedicated fan communities. This strategy serves several purposes:
- Built-in Marketing: These creators can promote the film directly to their millions of followers, creating organic buzz that traditional marketing campaigns often struggle to achieve.
- Audience Crossover: It introduces the Angry Birds franchise to a new generation of viewers who may be more familiar with YouTube content than with the original mobile games.
- Authenticity: For many young fans, digital creators are the most relatable and influential celebrities. Seeing them in a mainstream film can create a stronger connection to the project.
This trend is not new, but the scale of the talent involved in The Angry Birds Movie 3 marks a significant milestone. It acknowledges that influence is no longer monopolized by Hollywood and that the path to stardom now runs directly through platforms like YouTube.
The Future of Entertainment Collaboration
The collaboration between established film studios and digital creators is poised to become even more common. As the entertainment landscape continues to fragment, studios are looking for innovative ways to capture the attention of audiences. Partnering with creators who have already built trust and rapport with millions of fans is a powerful way to cut through the noise.
The success of the first two Angry Birds movies, which collectively grossed over $500 million worldwide, demonstrates the franchise’s broad appeal. By adding some of the biggest names on the internet to the third installment, the studio is positioning the film for even greater success.
Set for a theatrical release on December 23, 2026, The Angry Birds Movie 3 is shaping up to be a major event. The blend of beloved characters, A-list actors, and digital superstars creates a unique and compelling package that promises to entertain audiences of all ages. This casting is a clear signal that the future of entertainment will be built on collaboration, bridging the gap between the silver screen and the ever-expanding world of digital content.
