Hilarious Pitch Perfect star Anna Kendrick discusses the third instalment of the DreamWorks Trolls franchise, the responsibility of being a social media queen, and the fact she is cruely denying the world the pop album they hoped for.
Anna Kendrick has established herself as Hollywood’s quintessential approachable girl-next-door, yet she distinguishes herself with her sharp wit and down-to-earth appeal.
The Quintessential Girl-Next-Door of Hollywood
At 38, she embodies a unique combination of dry humour and genuine friendliness, having made a name for herself as an actress who effortlessly shifts between independent projects and big-budget movies.
A Career Spanning Indies and Blockbusters
Her wide-ranging accomplishments include an Academy Award nomination for her role in Up in the Air and her standout performance in the Pitch Perfect series, where her version of the track Cups shot to viral popularity. However, sadly there’s no album on the way.
Anna Kendrick’s Musical Journey and Viral Hits
“That’s not on the cards for me,” the Portland-born actor says. “I love singing, but I’m not a songwriter. Releasing an album isn’t really in my wheelhouse and having someone else write the music wouldn’t feel authentic to me.”
She did though, in 2023, once again lend her voice to the effervescent pink troll, Poppy, in the animated hit Trolls Band Together, bringing joy to audiences worldwide and a performance that not only captured the boundless energy of her character, but also highlighted a remarkable talent for infusing life into animated roles.
Kendrick enthuses: “Every time I voice Poppy, it’s like diving headfirst into this melodic world, and the chance to continue this journey for a third movie? It was irresistible. Being a part of this franchise is a joyful experience I cherish deeply.”
Why Anna Kendrick Won’t Release a Pop Album
The actress explains voicing a character is a totally different world for her compared to live action work – one where, firstly, she feels less pressured to perform; and secondly, where she enjoys the benefit of wearing comfortable clothes, seeing as it’s just her vocal talents on display!
“Voice acting truly stands apart in the realm of performance arts. When you’re on set, there’s a tangible world around you – costumes that transform you, the creation of different locales and fellow actors with whom you share and exchange energy.
“No need for makeup, costumes, or rehearsals in heels. I can waltz into the studio in my cosiest sweatpants, with a cup of tea, and immerse myself entirely, delivering a performance that’s authentic and heartfelt.”
The diminutive diva’s ability to entertain is not just exclusive to paid work. Her social media accounts continually have her followers howling with laughter. Yet, she maintains, she doesn’t meticulously plan her posts in advance.
“I mean, does it look orchestrated?” laughs Kendrick. “Do I really seem like the type of person who is completely organised and structured in trying to make people laugh on command? Come on!
“I do love making people laugh and smile and forget about the boring, frustrating things in life. I always want to be known as that person who seems to never have a care in the world. The class clown, the outrageous one.”
We could feasibly all do with a bit more Anna Kendrick in our lives!
