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The Shocking *NSYNC Reunion And Branch's Backstory: 5 Ways Justin Timberlake Revolutionized The Trolls Franchise

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As of December 22, 2025, Justin Timberlake’s involvement in the *Trolls* franchise has evolved far beyond a simple voice-acting role, cementing his status as a creative and musical driving force. His portrayal of the perpetually anxious but lovable Branch has been central to the DreamWorks animated series since 2016, but the latest installment, *Trolls Band Together*, delivered a massive, unexpected twist that dominated pop culture: the long-awaited reunion of his iconic boy band, *NSYNC. The film became the vehicle for their first new song in over two decades, "Better Place," a moment Timberlake proudly orchestrated. The journey of Branch, from a grumpy, gray survivalist to a brightly colored, emotionally open hero, mirrors Timberlake’s own creative investment in the project. He is credited as the executive music producer for the entire series, ensuring that the soundtracks are not just catchy, but deeply integrated into the narrative. In recent interviews, Timberlake has expressed a genuine love for the character and the positive message of the films, often discussing the joy of surprising children by revealing he is the voice of Branch. This deep commitment ensures the *Trolls* franchise remains fresh, relevant, and a powerhouse of family entertainment.

Justin Timberlake: A Quick Profile & Career Highlights

Justin Randall Timberlake is an American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, and dancer. Dubbed the "Prince of Pop," his career spans four decades of significant influence across music and film.

  • Full Name: Justin Randall Timberlake
  • Born: January 31, 1981 (Age 44 as of 2025)
  • Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
  • Occupations: Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Record Producer, Dancer
  • Years Active: 1993–present
  • Early Career: Began on *The All-New Mickey Mouse Club* (1993–1994) alongside future stars like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Ryan Gosling.
  • Boy Band Era: Rose to global fame as a lead vocalist of the iconic boy band *NSYNC* (1995–2002).
  • Solo Career Debut: Launched his solo music career with the album *Justified* (2002), which included hits like "Cry Me a River."
  • Filmography Highlights: *The Social Network* (2010), *Bad Teacher* (2011), *Friends with Benefits* (2011), and the *Trolls* franchise (2016–present).
  • Trolls Role: Voice of Branch and Executive Music Producer for all three major films: *Trolls* (2016), *Trolls World Tour* (2020), and *Trolls Band Together* (2023).

The *NSYNC Reunion: How Branch’s Backstory Became a Pop Culture Event

The biggest headline surrounding *Trolls Band Together* was not about the animation or the plot, but the music. Justin Timberlake, who voices Branch, used the film's narrative as the perfect, organic vehicle for a major pop culture moment: the return of *NSYNC.

The BroZone Connection

The plot of *Trolls Band Together* centers on a shocking revelation: Branch was once part of a boy band called BroZone, alongside his four estranged older brothers: Floyd, John Dory, Spruce, and Clay. This backstory was intentionally designed to parallel Timberlake’s real-life history with *NSYNC.

Timberlake has spoken about how the idea felt like a "meta" moment that was too good to pass up. He worked closely with the film’s creative team to ensure that the fictional boy band’s journey—their breakup, their sibling rivalry, and their eventual reconciliation—mirrored the emotional beats of a classic boy band narrative. This deep integration of his personal history into the character's arc is what makes the latest film so unique.

The New Song: "Better Place"

The film features the song "Better Place," which is performed by all five members of *NSYNC: Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, Lance Bass, and Chris Kirkpatrick. This was their first new song together in over 20 years.

Timberlake was instrumental in making the reunion happen, describing the process as a natural, joyful experience. He noted that the environment of the *Trolls* franchise, which is all about music, fun, and positivity, provided a low-pressure, perfect setting for the band to get back together. The song instantly became a global hit, proving the enduring power of the boy band and the clever marketing genius of the *Trolls* creative team.

From Grumpy Survivalist to Romantic Hero: Branch’s Evolution

Across the three films, the character of Branch undergoes arguably the most significant transformation in the entire franchise. When the series began, Branch was defined by his pessimism and his gray, colorless skin, a stark contrast to the vibrant world of the other Trolls.

Timberlake has expressed a fondness for this journey, highlighting the importance of Branch's relationship with Poppy (voiced by Anna Kendrick). Their dynamic is the emotional core of the series, moving from an odd couple friendship to a deeply romantic partnership. In the latest film, their relationship is so established that they are officially a couple, a development that fans had been rooting for since the first movie.

This character progression allows Timberlake to showcase his full range, not just as a singer, but as an actor capable of delivering heartfelt, emotional dialogue. He has described Branch’s evolution as a lesson in vulnerability, where the character learns to embrace joy, trust others, and ultimately, let his true colors shine—both literally and figuratively.

Timberlake’s Creative Influence: Executive Music Producer Role

Justin Timberlake is not merely the voice of Branch; he holds the powerful title of Executive Music Producer for the entire *Trolls* franchise. This role means he is heavily involved in selecting, arranging, and often writing the music that defines the films' sound.

Curating the Soundtrack

His influence is clear in the massive success of the first film's soundtrack, which featured the Oscar-nominated and Grammy-winning hit "Can't Stop the Feeling!" This song alone cemented the franchise's musical credibility and global appeal.

For *Trolls Band Together*, his musical contributions went beyond the *NSYNC reunion. He also performs the song "Perfect" with his fictional brothers, a track that showcases a more intricate, modern boy band sound.

Timberlake’s expertise in pop music ensures that the *Trolls* soundtracks are a perfect blend of nostalgic hits and fresh, original songs, appealing to both parents and children. He views the music as an essential character in itself, driving the story forward and establishing the joyous, vibrant tone of the Trolls' world.

The Future of the Trolls Franchise: What Comes Next?

Given the massive success of *Trolls Band Together*, especially with the added buzz of the *NSYNC reunion, the question of a fourth film is inevitable. Based on recent statements, Justin Timberlake is enthusiastic about continuing the adventures of Branch and Poppy.

Timberlake has publicly expressed his excitement for "future installations," suggesting that he is ready and willing to return to the recording booth. The team behind the film, including director Walt Dohrn, has indicated that the creative well is far from dry. The first three films explored different types of music, the wider Trolls world, and Branch’s family history. A potential *Trolls 4* could delve into new territories, perhaps exploring the life of Branch and Poppy as a married couple, or introducing new musical genres and Trolls tribes not yet seen.

Ultimately, as long as Justin Timberlake remains creatively invested as both the voice of Branch and the Executive Music Producer, the *Trolls* franchise is likely to continue its reign as a musical powerhouse in family animation, delivering hit songs and heartwarming stories for years to come.

The Shocking *NSYNC Reunion and Branch's Backstory: 5 Ways Justin Timberlake Revolutionized the Trolls Franchise
justin timberlake on trolls
justin timberlake on trolls

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