Thriller Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Scarlett Johansson

The Sing The franchise returns just in time for Halloween.

Netflix has announced the scary short film Singing: Thriller is set to premiere on the streaming service on Wednesday. The project, from Illumination and Universal Pictures, brings franchise director Garth Jennings and voice actors Matthew McConaughey (as Buster Moon), Tori Kelly (Meena), Nick Kroll (Gunter), Scarlett Johansson (Ash), Taron Egerton (Johnny) and Jennings with (Miss Crawly).

Singing: Thriller follows Buster (McConaughey) and his friends as they stage an elaborate version of the Michael Jackson hit “Thriller” for a Halloween party. Later, the crew discovers that a mysterious mud has turned those present into dance freaks.

The short film is based on the music video for the 1983 hit single “Thriller.” Rod Temperton wrote the music and lyrics for the song, which is featured on Jackson’s album of the same name, which remains the best-selling album of all time.

Singing: Thriller was written and directed by Jennings and produced by Chris Meledandri. Dana Krupinski is executive producer, while Nathalie Vancauwenberghe serves as co-producer.

The original Sing The film was released in theaters in 2016 and grossed more than $600 million in worldwide box office. The story centers on Buster, who tries to save his struggling theater by organizing a singing competition. A sequel followed in 2021.

Reese Witherspoon voiced Rosita the pig in the two feature films, but is one of the franchise cast members who will not be returning for the new short film.

In her review for The Hollywood Reporter of the original film SingCritic Leslie Felperin wrote: “With such a stellar cast, this is no surprise Sing is a delight for the ears and eyes.”