The Grammy-winning rapper will write and perform an original song and lend his voice to a film set for a 2019 release.


Robert Simonds’ STX Entertainment has tapped music star Pitbull to join its animated UglyDolls franchise, based on the pop culture Uglydoll characters.


Pitbull (born Armando Christian Perez) will write and perform an original song for the UglyDolls film and lend his voice to one of the the key characters. STX is also eyeing Pitbull for spinoff UglyDoll projects now in development at STXtv, STXdigital and STXsurreal VR.


The Miami-born rapper, also known as "Mr. Worldwide," has notched No. 1 hits in more than 15 countries, including "Give Me Everything" and "Timber," which both topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In all, Pitbull has sold 70 million singles and six million albums and has amassed more than 10 billion music video views on YouTube and VEVO.


"Pitbull’s amazing musical creativity and magnetic personality have captivated millions of adoring fans around the world. We’re thrilled to collaborate with him, and look forward to showcasing his singular talent as we build the UglyDolls franchise," Adam Fogelson, chairman of STXfilms, said Tuesday in a statement.


The UglyDolls movie will see the characters confront what it means to be different and struggle with their desire to be loved — and ultimately discover they don't have to be perfect to be amazing.


STXfilms will release UglyDolls in 2019 as a launch vehicle for the franchise.