The Star Offers First Look at Characters, Adds New Celebrity Voice Talent

Culver City, Cal., April 26, 2017 – From Sony Pictures Animation, The Star offers a first look at four characters from the anticipated faith-and-family film, and announces the addition of three-time Emmy® winner Patricia Heaton as Edith the cow's voice to join its outstanding cast.

Premiering Nov. 10th, 2017, The Star tells the story of the first Christmas through the eyes of the animals who witnessed it.

The voice cast already included Steven Yeun (Bo the donkey), Kelly Clarkson (Leah the horse), Aidy Bryant (Ruth the sheep), Keegan-Michael Key (Dave the dove), Kristin Chenoweth (Mouse), Anthony Anderson (Zach the goat), Gabriel Iglesias (Rufus the dog), Ving Rhames (Thaddeus the dog), national radio personality Delilah Rene (Elizabeth), Kris Kristofferson (Old Donkey), Gina Rodriguez (Mary), Zachary Levi (Joseph) and Oprah Winfrey (Deborah) and Tyler Perry (Cyrus) and Tracy Morgan (Felix) as the three camels, and Christopher Plummer (King Herod).

"The Star is the perfect family movie! It gives an 'animals'-eye view' of the first Christmas in a way that is funny, engaging and inspiring," Patricia Heaton said. "Moms, dads, grandparents and kids will be swept up in the adventure of a new look at a timeless story."

DeVon Franklin, executive producer on The Star, is well known for the now-classic faith film Miracles from Heaven.

The Star is directed by Academy Award® nominated writer/director Timothy Reckart (Head Over Heels); executive-produced by DeVon Franklin (Miracles from Heaven), Lisa Henson and Brian Henson (The Jim Henson Company) Ben Waisbren; produced by Jennifer Magee-Cook; with a story by Simon Moore and Carlos Kotkin; and screenplay by Carlos Kotkin. Digital animation by Cinesite Studios. COLUMBIA PICTURES and AFFIRM Films present in association with Walden Films/LStar Capital in association with Franklin Entertainment/The Jim Henson Company.  A SONY PICTURES ANIMATION Film.

A small but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day he finds the courage to break free and finally goes on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth, a lovable sheep who has lost her flock and Dave, a dove with lofty aspirations. Along with three wisecracking camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star and become accidental heroes in the greatest story ever told – the first Christmas.

Check out these exclusive first looks from The Star:

Mary -- voiced by Gina Rodriguez

Joseph -- voiced by Zachary Levi

Ruth the Sheep -- voiced by Aidy Bryant

Bo the Donkey -- voiced by Steven Yeun