(PRNewsfoto/STXfilms)
STXfilms, a division of Robert Simonds’ global, next-generation media company STX Entertainment, announced today that GRAMMY-Award winning Atlantic Records superstar Kelly Clarkson has signed on to star in its upcoming animated film UGLYDOLLS. Clarkson will voice act the character of “Moxy” and also perform original songs for the feature. With over 100 #1 Billboard hits and total worldwide sales of more than 25 million albums and 36 million singles, Clarkson is one of the most popular recording artists in the world. After appearing and winning as coach on the 14th season of The Voice, Clarkson will reclaim her red chair for the series’ 15th season, premiering this fall.
“Kelly Clarkson has been a role model to millions of fans since the beginning of her momentous career. We are beyond thrilled that for her next project she chose to do UGLYDOLLS after she saw our character designs, animatics and set pieces, which she loved. We look forward to collaborating with an artist of Kelly’s exceptional talent and versatility,” said Adam Fogelson, Chairman of STXfilms.
In the film, Clarkson’s character Moxy and her UglyDolls friends confront what it means to be different, struggle with their desire to be loved, and ultimately discover that you don’t have to be perfect to be amazing because who you truly are is what matters most.
“The UglyDolls’ universal message celebrating our differences and individuality really resonates with me, and when STX showed me how incredible UGLYDOLLS will look and feel, I jumped at being part of that world. I can’t wait to start working with the team at STX, the cast and filmmakers,” said Clarkson.
Clarkson joins an UGLYDOLLS voice cast that also features fellow GRAMMY-Award winner Pitbull, as announced earlier this year.
Created as a plush toy line by David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim, the UglyDoll brand quickly gained a cult following around the world and was named Toy of the Year by the Toy Industry Association in 2006. Beloved by children, teenagers and adults alike, UglyDoll characters are distinct for their endearing “ugliness,” in a wonderful “uglyverse” where differences are celebrated and embraced.
STXfilms will release UGLYDOLLS in theaters in 2019 as launch vehicle for STX Entertainment’s UglyDolls franchise. An animated kids series is also underway with a full series order from premium streaming service Hulu, and Hasbro joined early on as global master toy licensee. The original motion picture soundtrack will be released by Atlantic Records.
Clarkson is represented by CAA and Starstruck Entertainment.
About STXfilms
STXfilms is a division of STX Entertainment, a global, next-generation media company whose mission is to unlock the value of the direct connection stars have with their fans through the development, financing, production, marketing and distribution of film, television, VR, digital video, music and live entertainment content. It is the industry leader in transforming beyond traditional platform-driven content to creating talent-driven enterprises.
The company is led by accomplished businessman Robert Simonds and was co-founded by Bill McGlashan, managing partner of the leading global private investment firm TPG. Other investors include Hony Capital, a leading private equity firm in China; PCCW, Southeast Asia’s largest Internet and cable services provider; Tencent Holdings, China’s leading provider of online products and services; Liberty Global, the world’s largest distribution platform; Dominic Ng, Chairman of East West Bank; New Enterprise Associates (NEA); DNS Capital (representing the business interests of Gigi Pritzker and her immediate family); and Beau Wrigley, former Chairman and CEO of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, among others. With these strategic relationships, the company is uniquely positioned to maximize the impact of content worldwide, with direct passage into the China market.
For more information, please visit http://www.stxentertainment.com.
About Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson, who recently released her critically acclaimed eighth studio album, “Meaning of Life,” is among the most popular artists of this era with total worldwide sales of more than 25 million albums and 36 million singles. The Texas-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter first came to fame in 2002 as the winner of the inaugural season of “American Idol.” Clarkson’s debut single, “A Moment Like This,” followed and quickly went to #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, ultimately ranking as the year’s best-selling single in the U.S. Further, Clarkson is, without doubt, one of pop’s top singles artists, with 17 singles boasting multi-platinum, platinum and gold certifications around the world, including such global favorites as “Miss Independent” and “Because of You.” Clarkson has released eight studio albums (Thankful, Breakaway, My December, All I Ever Wanted, Stronger, Wrapped In Red, Piece By Piece, Meaning of Life), one greatest hits album, and two children’s books (New York Times Top 10 best seller River Rose and the Magical Lullaby and the recent follow up River Rose and the Magical Christmas). She is the recipient of an array of awards including three GRAMMY Awards, four American Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, two Academy of Country Music Awards, two American Country Awards, and one Country Music Association Award. She is also the first artist to top each of Billboard’s pop, adult contemporary, country and dance charts. This past year, Clarkson hosted the “2018 Billboard Music Awards” in addition to appearing and winning as coach on the 14th season of The Voice. She will reclaim her red chair for the series’ 15th season, premiering this fall.
BURBANK, Calif., July 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — STXfilms