When the first Trolls movie was announced back in 2015, some people definitely rolled their eyes. You know the vibe—another plastic toy from the 60s and 90s getting a neon-soaked Hollywood facelift? It felt like a cash grab. But then "Can't Stop the Feeling!" hit the airwaves and basically didn't leave for three years. Suddenly, Justin Timberlake wasn't just a former boy bander or a "Suit & Tie" crooner; he was the sonic architect of a multi-billion dollar kids' universe.
Honestly, the pairing of Justin Timberlake and Trolls is probably one of the smartest business moves in modern pop history. It’s not just about voicing a grumpy survivalist named Branch. It’s about how Timberlake positioned himself as the Executive Music Producer for the entire franchise. He didn't just show up to a booth to read lines. He built the sound.
The Branch Factor: More Than Just a Voice
Timberlake’s character, Branch, is the perfect foil to Anna Kendrick’s relentlessly bubbly Poppy. In the first film, Branch is "gray"—literally. He’s lost his colors because of a tragic backstory involving his grandma and a Bergen (the troll-eating giants of the lore).
What’s interesting is how Timberlake uses his voice here. He’s known for that silky falsetto, but as Branch, he spends half the time being a sarcastic, paranoid grouch. It’s a side of his persona we don't usually see in his solo albums. When he finally does sing—specifically that cover of "True Colors"—it hits differently because the movie makes you wait for it.
The chemistry between Timberlake and Kendrick is the engine of the series. They’ve carried it through:
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- Trolls (2016)
- Trolls World Tour (2020)
- Trolls Band Together (2023)
- Plus various holiday specials like Trolls Holiday and Holiday in Harmony.
How Justin Timberlake and Trolls Rescued the Jukebox Musical
Most jukebox musicals feel a bit forced. You’ve seen them; they jam a famous song into a plot where it doesn’t quite fit just for the "aha!" moment. Timberlake took a different approach. As the executive producer, he curated a mix of legacy hits (think Earth, Wind & Fire or Cyndi Lauper) and original tracks that felt like they belonged in the 2010s and 2020s.
"Can't Stop the Feeling!" wasn't just a movie song. It reached No. 1 in 17 countries. It was certified Diamond. It even bagged an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. For an artist who hadn't released solo music since The 20/20 Experience in 2013, it was a massive "I'm still here" moment.
In Trolls World Tour, things got even more ambitious. The movie explored different musical tribes—Funk, Country, Techno, Classical, and Hard Rock. Timberlake worked with legends like George Clinton and Mary J. Blige. He used the platform to actually teach kids (and remind adults) about the origins of pop music and the dangers of cultural appropriation. It was surprisingly deep for a movie about creatures with glittery butts.
The *NSYNC Reunion Everyone Was Waiting For
If you’re a 90s kid, Trolls Band Together was basically your Super Bowl. The plot itself is a giant meta-commentary on Timberlake's own life. Branch is revealed to have been in a boy band called BroZone with his four brothers. They were huge, they had a "perfect family harmony," and then they crashed and burned.
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Sound familiar?
The movie didn't just wink at the audience; it went all in. Timberlake actually got the guys back together. Lance Bass, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, and Chris Kirkpatrick joined him for "Better Place," the first official *NSYNC song in over 20 years.
Director Walt Dohrn mentioned in interviews that the idea actually came from Justin himself. He realized that the story of Branch's brothers was the perfect organic "in" to reunite his real-life bandmates. They didn't just record the song; they even helped design their animated troll counterparts. Seeing them on the red carpet together for the premiere was a huge PR win that fueled the movie’s $210 million global box office run.
Why This Matters for Timberlake's Brand
Let's be real: Justin Timberlake’s solo career has had its ups and downs lately. His 2024 album Everything I Thought It Was received mixed reviews, and his public image has faced some scrutiny over the years.
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But the Justin Timberlake and Trolls connection remains bulletproof.
Through these movies, he’s introduced himself to a whole new generation. Kids today don't know him as the guy from the "Cry Me a River" video; they know him as Branch. To them, he's a hero. This "Trolls-ification" of his image has given him a longevity that many of his peers from the early 2000s just don't have. It’s a safe, joyful, and incredibly lucrative space where his musical talent can shine without the baggage of "adult" pop stardom.
What’s Next for Branch and Poppy?
There’s been plenty of chatter on Reddit and in film circles about a fourth movie. Timberlake once joked about wanting to make seven Trolls films. While that might be a stretch, the franchise is still a powerhouse for DreamWorks.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the world Timberlake has helped build, here is the best way to do it:
- Watch the "Sing-Along" editions: Most of the Blu-rays and digital versions have a mode that highlights the lyrics. If you're a fan of the production side, it’s a great way to catch the layering in the tracks Timberlake produced.
- Listen to the soundtracks on high-fidelity speakers: Because Timberlake is a perfectionist with sound, the production quality on songs like "The Other Side" (with SZA) or "Perfect for Me" is genuinely top-tier. You miss a lot of the synth work on tiny phone speakers.
- Check out the "BroZone" era content: If you missed the latest movie, Trolls Band Together is where the *NSYNC connection is strongest. It’s less of a kids’ movie and more of a love letter to the 90s boy band era.
Whether you love the glitter or find it a bit much, you can’t deny the impact. Timberlake took a "toy movie" and turned it into a massive musical playground that keeps his voice at the center of pop culture.
Next Steps for Trolls Fans:
To get the full experience of Timberlake's work on the series, you should start by streaming the Trolls Band Together soundtrack to hear the *NSYNC reunion track "Better Place" in its full, mastered glory. If you're interested in the behind-the-scenes evolution, look for the "Making of the Music" featurettes on the Trolls World Tour physical release, which show Timberlake in the studio collaborating with Anderson .Paak and SZA.