Deploy Folding Table of contents
The Remarkable Collaboration Behind ‘Wild Robot’
Director Chris Sanders expresses his surprise at how perfectly the actress fit the role, saying, “I had no idea how perfect the pairing was.” He emphasizes that Roz, the character in the animated film ‘Wild Robot’, was brought to life by Lupita Nyong’o’s performance. “It was fascinating to watch her break apart the character, attempting to understand and construct the architecture of Roz’s thought patterns,” he added, highlighting the depth of Nyong’o’s portrayal.
Finding the Voice of Roz
Lupita Nyong’o recalls the pivotal question she faced during her role: “How do I find Roz’s voice?” Portraying her latest character, a robot, prompted an unexpected exploration into the realm of artificial intelligence. “I drew inspiration from Alexa and Siri because of their boundless positive energy,” Nyong’o explains. Roz embodies enthusiasm, generosity, and altruism, making her one of the heartwarming leads in Sanders’ new animation.
A Journey of Growth and Connection
The adventurous tale begins as Roz lands on an island filled with diverse animals and accidentally finds herself raising a goose. With ‘Wild Robot’ set to premiere in theaters on October 11, it has already been celebrated as one of the new standout films in animation following appearances at various film festivals, including the one in San Sebastián.
Reflecting on her process of embodying Roz, Nyong’o mentions her initial doubts. “When I was offered this character, I asked Chris why he chose me. He said he appreciated the warmth of my voice and its potential to convey protective and nurturing qualities,” she explains. Roz undergoes a transformative journey as she fosters a close bond with Picobrillo, the goose in her care, leading her to discover her individuality and maternal instincts, marking a significant transition in her character arc. “It was a tremendous challenge, but one that was immensely enjoyable,” she adds.
Adapting a Beloved Story
‘Wild Robot’ is an adaptation of Peter Brown’s beloved book, which Sanders praises for its engaging character interactions. “I loved the way the characters interacted and their relationships, which lead to moments filled with genuine emotion,” he shares. The director faced the challenge of preserving Brown’s original essence during the adaptation process. “I get anxious when I have to make cuts to someone else’s work, but Peter Brown was on board from the start, saying, ‘I know you’re going to make some changes; go ahead.'” The feedback from Brown seems positive, as Sanders notes, “I think he likes it.” Nyong’o emphasizes, “I believe he truly loved it,” underscoring their shared commitment to the project.
The chemistry between Nyong’o and her character was no coincidence, according to Sanders, who reflects, “Looking back, I feel like this was meant to be.” He recognizes Nyong’o’s remarkable voice and how it aligns perfectly with Roz’s essence. “It’s one of those peculiar occurrences; it’s a perfect combination, and I can’t envision it turning out differently,” he adds, pointing out the warm and thoughtful qualities that both Nyong’o and Roz share. The film promises to deliver a narrative brimming with emotional depth, magic, and the warmth that fans of animation have come to cherish.