In a significant return to his animation roots, acclaimed director Chris Sanders has once again transformed a beloved book into a captivating animated film. Following the success of “How to Train Your Dragon,” Sanders has directed “The Wild Robot,” based on Peter Brown’s enchanting book of the same name. The film, which premiered on October 17, showcases an impressive voice cast that includes the talents of Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Mark Hamill, and Ving Rhames, adding a layer of depth and charisma to the animated characters.
Speaking from his New York City base, Sanders expressed his gratitude for assembling such a stellar cast, giving credit to the casting director, Christi Soper, for bringing his vision to life. “Every one of our very first choices said yes,” Sanders noted with a hint of excitement. “They were drawn to the story, and working with them has been a dream come true. It’s both exhilarating and a bit daunting to direct such talented individuals, ensuring that my guidance helps them bring the characters to life authentically.”
Once the voice cast was confirmed, Sanders revealed that the team tailored the script to match the unique traits of each actor. “It’s a collaborative effort,” he explained. “I encourage improvisation and suggestions from the voice actors so that they truly embody their characters.” An exemplary instance of this process is Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of the mischievous red fox, Fink. According to Sanders, Pascal found a personal connection with the character, stating, “Fink feels more like me than any other character I’ve ever portrayed.”
Describing Chris Sanders as a remarkable director, actors like Pedro Pascal have commended his ability to draw out the essence of a character. “Chris is not just a director; he’s a guide and scene partner,” Pascal remarked. “He not only helps you find the root of a character but also ensures you understand what’s necessary to make the character vibrant and engaging.”
Lupita Nyong’o, who lends her voice to Roz, the robotic protagonist stranded on a deserted island, echoed these sentiments.
. She described Sanders as “highly imaginative, deeply talented, wildly intelligent, and receptive to new ideas,” adding that his feedback enhances the creative process. “He provides notes that are not prescriptive but rather open avenues for new thoughts and performances in the voice booth,” Nyong’o remarked.
Sanders has infused “The Wild Robot” with a fresh animation style, likening it to a Monet painting set within a Miyazaki forest. “This film represents a technological leap forward, enabling us to return to the essence of animation,” Sanders explained. The director harkens back to his childhood, recalling the beauty of classics like “Bambi,” while drawing inspiration from Japanese animation legend Hayao Miyazaki, known for his stunning hand-drawn backgrounds.
Before “The Wild Robot,” Sanders noted that animation heavily relied on geometry wrapped in textures, creating a computerised foundation. “The best we could do previously was wrap paintings around the geometry,” he detailed. “However, in ‘The Wild Robot,’ the animation embodies a moving painting. Artists now have the capacity to paint dimensionally, a breakthrough that transforms how animations are crafted.” This was vividly demonstrated when an artist applied paint using a stylus, rendering live paint strokes on the screen in real-time.
In addition to the hand-painted environments, each character in “The Wild Robot” features surfaces painted with broad brushstrokes. “It’s a departure from the norm. When characters approach the screen, they don’t reveal every tiny strand of fur; instead, they present an entirely new visual approach that’s truly groundbreaking,” Sanders elaborated.
Chris Sanders’ “The Wild Robot” has not only brought Peter Brown’s narrative to the screen with vibrant originality but has also pioneered a new animation technique that promises to captivate audiences. Released on October 17, this film is a testament to Sanders’ enduring influence and innovation within the world of animation.
