‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ Star Taron Egerton Talks Role In ‘Sing,’ Meeting Stevie Wonder For The First Time

Taron Egerton fans will have to wait until Oct. 6 next year to see him reprise his role as Gary “Eggsy” Unwin in “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” The y, however, can at least hear the actor’s voice in the upcoming animated musical film “Sing.”

“Sing” follows the story of a koala named Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey), who hopes to restore his theater to its former glory by producing the world’s greatest singing competition. Egerton plays a Cockney-accented mountain gorilla named Johnny who joins the contest despite the disapproval of his dad.

In an interview with Variety at the world premiere of “Sing” on Saturday, Dec. 3, in Los Angeles, Egerton revealed that what drew him to the role of Johnny is his persistence to pursue a decent career path.

“Johnny the gorilla is from the wrong side of the tracks,” said the 27-year-old Welsh thespian. “His dad is a bank robber, and, although he loves him very much, he’s trying to coax him into going down the same path that he has — he wants him to be the getaway driver for his gang. Johnny doesn’t want to do this. He just wants to sing.”

Although the movie’s story revolves around a singing competition, Egerton noted that the film is really about “people pulling together and looking out for one another. It’s about friendship and love.”

The film’s world premiere was extra special for Egerton because it was where he met Stevie Wonder for the first time.

“I just met Stevie Wonder!” he gushed to The Hollywood Reporter during the event. “Stevie has been a hero of mine since I was a little boy. I’ve seen him live so to actually shake his hand is a true moment. He’s been charged with funk and soul.”

Wonder isn’t part of the movie’s voice cast, but the 22-time Grammy winner recorded the original song “Faith” in the film’s soundtrack.

In addition to Egerton and McConaughey, “Sing” also stars Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, John C. Reilly, Tori Kelly and Nick Kroll. The Garth Jennings-directed film opens in theaters on Dec. 21.