If your kids are obsessed with Buster Moon and his singing crew – or they can’t get enough of Max, Duke, and Snowball – we’ve got some brilliant news. Illumination has officially confirmed that both Sing 3 and The Secret Life of Pets 3 are in active development, and the studio sounds genuinely excited about both.
Here’s everything families in the UK need to know about these two hugely anticipated animated films.
What We Know About Sing 3
The Sing franchise has been a smash hit with families since the original film landed in cinemas in 2016. Buster Moon’s koala-with-a-dream energy captured the hearts of kids and parents alike, and Sing 2 (2021) went on to gross over $408 million worldwide – bringing the franchise’s total to more than $1 billion at the box office.
So it’s no surprise that Illumination wants more.
Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri confirmed that Sing 3 entered active development in April 2023, describing it as being “deep into development.” He has also said that both Sing and The Secret Life of Pets are receiving “tremendous attention” within the studio, and that he hopes to have announcements to make “relatively soon.”
No official release date has been confirmed yet. Most industry observers expect Sing 3 to arrive sometime in 2027, given Illumination’s packed release schedule – which already includes Minions 3 in summer 2026 and Shrek 5 at Christmas 2026.
Who’s Likely to Return for Sing 3?
The original cast made Sing and Sing 2 so special. While nothing has been officially confirmed for the third film, fans are hoping to see the full ensemble back together:
- Matthew McConaughey as Buster Moon, the eternally optimistic koala
- Reese Witherspoon as Rosita, the pig mum of 25 piglets chasing her dreams
- Scarlett Johansson as Ash, the punk rock porcupine
- Taron Egerton as Johnny, the gorilla with a gift for music (voiced by a Welsh actor – always a win!)
- Tori Kelly as Meena, the elephant with an extraordinary voice
- Nick Kroll as Gunter, the enthusiastic dancing pig
Director Garth Jennings has been the creative force behind both films, and it’s hoped he will return to helm the third instalment.
What We Know About The Secret Life of Pets 3
The Secret Life of Pets has been a firm favourite with younger children since the original film arrived in 2016. The idea that our pets lead secret lives the moment we leave the house is pure magic for kids – and the films deliver it brilliantly.
The Secret Life of Pets 2 was released in 2019, again directed by Chris Renaud (who also co-directed the original Despicable Me). In June 2022, Meledandri confirmed a third film was in development, and by April 2023 revealed that the studio was working on multiple scripts – one focused on a returning character with a brand new set of friends, and another bringing the full ensemble cast back together.
The most exciting recent news? Meledandri confirmed that Chris Renaud – the original director – is back on board, working on an idea the CEO says he “loves.” That level of enthusiasm from the top of the studio is a very good sign.
A release date somewhere between 2027 and 2028 seems most likely, based on typical Illumination production timelines.
Who’s Likely to Return?
The beloved cast from the first two films is expected to come back, though nothing is officially confirmed:
- Patton Oswalt as Max, the Jack Russell Terrier (he replaced Louis C.K. from the first film)
- Eric Stonestreet as Duke, the big shaggy dog who becomes Max’s unlikely best friend
- Jenny Slate as Gidget, the fluffy white Pomeranian who has a major crush on Max
- Kevin Hart as Snowball, the white rabbit who thinks he’s a superhero
- Ellie Kemper as Katie, Max and Duke’s owner
Why Illumination Is the King of Family Cinema Right Now
It’s worth stepping back to appreciate just how dominant Illumination has become when it comes to films that the whole family genuinely enjoys. The studio behind Despicable Me, Minions, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Sing, and The Secret Life of Pets has an extraordinary track record of creating animated films that make kids laugh out loud and give parents something to enjoy too.
With Minions 3 arriving in summer 2026 and Shrek 5 (from DreamWorks, distributed by Universal) landing at Christmas 2026, the next couple of years are shaping up to be a golden era for family cinema trips.
Sing 3 and The Secret Life of Pets 3 could well follow in 2027, giving families even more to look forward to.
Catch Up Before Sing 3 and Pets 3 Arrive
Not seen the earlier films yet – or fancy rewatching them with the kids before the new instalments arrive? Here’s a quick guide:
| Film | Year | Where to Watch (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Sing | 2016 | Netflix UK, Prime Video |
| Sing 2 | 2021 | Netflix UK, Sky Cinema |
| The Secret Life of Pets | 2016 | Netflix UK, Prime Video |
| The Secret Life of Pets 2 | 2019 | Netflix UK, Sky Cinema |
Streaming availability changes regularly – always check your preferred platform for the latest.
Make a Cinema Trip Part of Your Family Day Out
There’s nothing quite like seeing a brand new animated film on the big screen with the kids. When Sing 3 and The Secret Life of Pets 3 eventually arrive, they’ll be perfect for a proper family cinema outing.
In the meantime, why not explore some of the brilliant family days out and cinema experiences available right now?
- Movies, Cinema and TV ideas for families – find the best family film experiences near you
- 4DX Cinema: The Parent’s Guide to UK Locations – could Sing 3 be the perfect 4DX film?
- The 50 Best Kids Films of All Time – does Sing make the list?
- Super Mario Galaxy Movie: Family Review – another Illumination hit in UK cinemas now
- Save up to 40% on UK Cinema Tickets with our VIP Pass – make every cinema trip more affordable
When Will Sing 3 and The Secret Life of Pets 3 Be Released in the UK?
This is the question every family wants answered – and unfortunately, Illumination hasn’t given us an official date for either film just yet.
Based on everything we know:
- Sing 3 – most likely 2027, with a possible Christmas release window (both previous Sing films opened in December)
- The Secret Life of Pets 3 – most likely 2027 or 2028, depending on which script direction the studio chooses
We’ll update this page as soon as any official announcements are made. Bookmark it and check back!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sing 3 confirmed?
Yes. Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri has officially confirmed that Sing 3 is in active development. No release date has been announced yet.
Is The Secret Life of Pets 3 confirmed?
Yes. Meledandri confirmed in 2022 that a third film is in development, and revealed in 2023 that the studio is working on multiple script ideas. Original director Chris Renaud is also involved.
When will Sing 3 come out in the UK?
No official UK release date has been confirmed. Based on production timelines and Illumination’s schedule, 2027 is the most likely window.
Will the original cast return for Sing 3?
No casting has been officially confirmed yet, but the full ensemble – including Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, and Taron Egerton – are expected to return.
Is The Secret Life of Pets 3 the same as the original director?
Yes – Illumination has confirmed that Chris Renaud, who directed the original Secret Life of Pets, is working on the third film.
Last updated: June 2026. We’ll keep this page updated with all the latest Sing 3 and Secret Life of Pets 3 news as it’s announced.