Chris Sanders, the acclaimed director, renowned for his work on How to Train Your Dragon, has returned to his animation roots, translating yet another beloved book into a captivating film. This time, it’s Peter Brown’s engaging narrative, The Wild Robot, which has been beautifully adapted into an animated feature. The film officially premiered on October 17 and has been praised for its enchanting visuals and compelling storytelling.
The Wild Robot showcases an extraordinary voice cast that includes the Oscar-winning talent of Lupita Nyong’o, alongside renowned actors such as Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Mark Hamill, and Ving Rhames. Sanders, speaking from his studio in New York City during a video call, couldn’t hide his enthusiasm for the stellar ensemble. “Our casting director, Christi Soper, deserves all the credit,” he remarked. “Everyone we approached was thrilled with the story and said yes immediately. Meeting actors of such caliber was both exhilarating and daunting; it motivated me to elevated standards for direction.”
Once these exemplary actors were onboard, Sanders and his team tailored the script to better align with their strengths and personalities. He elaborated, “The script became a collaborative process. We wanted the actors to bring their originality to the roles through improvisation and personal input, making their portrayal more authentic. Pedro Pascal, who brings life to Fink, a mischievous red fox, mentioned the character felt more inherently him than any other role he has undertaken.”
Pedro Pascal, in a glowing tribute to Sanders’ directorial prowess, described working with him as a revelatory experience. “Chris is the kind of director who guides you deeply into the essence of your character. His approach not only enriches the character but makes them genuinely come alive.”
Equally complimentary was Lupita Nyong’o, who lends her voice to the protagonist, Roz—a robot marooned on a desolate island.
. Reflecting on Sanders’ approach, she lauded him as “highly imaginative, deeply talented, wildly intelligent, and receptive.” Nyong’o appreciated his guidance, which fostered creative exploration without being overly prescriptive, sparking new insights and performances.
Sanders’ commitment to innovation is evident in the animation style of The Wild Robot, which he likened to a Monet painting set within a Miyazaki-inspired forest. He believes the film marks a significant technological advancement, enabling a return to the foundational elements of animation. “We grew up admiring animations like Bambi, which set a high bar for beauty. We wanted to marry that classic charm with modern technology, drawing inspiration from the hand-crafted aesthetics of Miyazaki’s work.”
For years, animated films have largely depended on wrapping computer-generated geometry with textures. However, Sanders explains that The Wild Robot is a “living painting,” thanks to groundbreaking technology allowing artists to paint directly within a three-dimensional space. “Watching our artists at work was like witnessing magic. As they moved their stylus, the screen came alive with paint, creating immersive environments and characters.”
Notably, every environment in the film has been meticulously hand-painted. Even the character surfaces—fur, feathers, and all—are adorned with broad brushstrokes. “When our characters are up close, what you see isn’t a meticulous spray of individual fur strands,” says Sanders. “It’s a completely different texture, and we believe it’s a revolutionary move for the animation world.”
As the world embraces the enchanting tale of The Wild Robot, Sanders hopes audiences will appreciate not only the story and characters but also the artistic and technological innovation it represents. The film is not just a new entry in animation but a bridge back to its enchanting roots, ready to thrill and captivate audiences of all ages with its unique blend of tradition and technology.
