Meet the Unconventional Stars of 'The Singers': Who’s Who in Netflix’s Oscar-Newcomer

Published 02/12/2026, 10:42 AM CST

The upcoming Netflix release, The Singers, brings a 19th-century masterpiece into the modern age with a visceral energy that is already generating Academy Award buzz. Based on Ivan Turgenev's short story from A Sportsman's Sketches, the film depicts an improvised and emotionally charged sing-off within the gritty walls of a local pub.

This production showcases the power of a single voice to transform a room and move a global audience. Directed by Sam A. Davis, the project emphasizes handmade storytelling and the raw beauty of male vulnerability through a lens of stark realism.

A carefully selected ensemble of vocalists leads this rhythmic narrative through every high and low note.

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The vanguard- A cast of powerful voices

The main cast is anchored by Michael Young, who portrays a singer whose performance serves as the emotional heartbeat of the film. Alongside him, Chris Smither and Will Harrington bring a seasoned depth to the musical landscape, ensuring that every melody carries the weight of lived experience.

Judah Kelly and Matt Corcoran round out this primary group, adding layers of soulful texture and technical brilliance to the pub's atmosphere. Their presence creates a competitive yet collaborative environment where the stakes go far beyond a simple victory.

Behind the leads, a diverse group of patrons adds a layer of rich, lived-in texture to the setting.

The soul of the pub- Resonant supporting players

The supporting cast features a blend of talent that fills the background with a sense of history and community. Robert Broski appears as a bar patron, lending his distinct presence to the crowd that watches the vocal duel unfold with bated breath.

Brian Coover and Steve Corning join the ensemble of bar patrons, creating a tapestry of characters who have seen it all. Their silent performances provide the necessary context for the film’s setting, establishing the pub as a sanctuary for those seeking connection through art. Jim Donnelly appears as the Priest, a role that adds a touch of solemnity and spiritual weight to the gathering.

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A fresh wave of talent brings an unpredictable energy to the film's most pivotal moments.

The new guard- Newcomers and character roles

The film also introduces several unique personalities who round out the vibrant population of the story's world. Performers like Roy Farewell, Leroy Griffith, and Daniel Hutchinson occupy the spaces of the bar, each contributing to the immersive and gritty aesthetic of the film.

David Jenner and Michael Keyes also appear as patrons, ensuring that the environment feels populated by individuals with their own unspoken stories. Characters with names like Graham Mackie, Mr. George, and the uniquely titled Muffin (played by two performers) and Tio Rigo add a quirky, memorable flair to the background.

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Rocket and Mike Yung complete this extensive list of participants who breathe life into the scene. This combination of street-cast talent and experienced artists creates a film that feels both spontaneous and meticulously crafted. This short film, The Singers, stands as a testament to the enduring power of Turgenev's prose and the universal language of song.

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What do you think about performances of the cast of The Singers? Are you ready to watch it on Netflix? Let us know in the comments

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Soma Mitra

920 articles

Soma is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. With a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication, she brings production experience from documentary films like Chandua: Stories on Fabric. Covering the true crime and docu-drama beat, she turns psychological thrillers into sharp, audience-aware storytelling.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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