The Wild Robot (2024) is an animated science fiction survival adventure film produced by DreamWorks Animation, based on the acclaimed 2016 children's book by Peter Brown. Directed by Chris Sanders, known for his work on How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch, the film features a star-studded voice cast, including Lupita Nyong’o as Roz, Pedro Pascal as Fink the fox, and Bill Nighy as Longneck the goose.
The story follows Rozzum unit 7134, affectionately known as Roz, a service robot who becomes shipwrecked on an uninhabited island. Stranded in a harsh environment, Roz must learn to adapt and survive while forming bonds with the local wildlife. Her journey takes a heartwarming turn when she adopts an orphaned gosling named Brightbill, leading to a touching exploration of motherhood and connection across species.
The Wild Robot premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024, and was released in theaters in the United States on September 27, 2024. The film has been praised for its hand-painted animation style, reminiscent of classic Disney films and the works of Hayao Miyazaki. It marks a significant project for DreamWorks as it was one of the last films animated entirely in-house before the studio shifted to relying more on outside vendors.
Upon its release, The Wild Robot received critical acclaim for its emotional depth, stunning animation, and Nyong’o's vocal performance. The film has grossed approximately $198 million worldwide against a production budget of $78 million. Critics have highlighted its engaging storytelling that blends themes of technology and nature while exploring what it means to be alive.
Following its success, a sequel to The Wild Robot is already in development, indicating the film's strong impact and popularity among audiences. Overall, The Wild Robot stands out as a beautifully crafted animated feature that resonates with both children and adults through its universal themes of love, survival, and connection.