Chris Sanders from The Wild Robot Talks About the Direction of 'A Unique Movie,' Taking Risks, the 2025 Oscars, and the Return of Lilo and Stitch.
I hope a sequel is made.
The animated movie "The Wild Robot," produced by DreamWorks, has managed to stand out in the competitive landscape of film releases in 2024. Its success is not only due to its advanced animation technique or its impressive cast but also to the powerful messages about motherhood and survival that resonated deeply with audiences. As a result of its impact, "The Wild Robot" has received three nominations for the 2025 Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature, Best Original Score, and Best Sound, in addition to three nominations at the BAFTAs.
Director Chris Sanders, who has acknowledged that this work deviates from the typical offerings of DreamWorks animated films, expressed excitement when discussing its development. The story follows a stranded robot named Roz and focuses on her adaptation to an unfamiliar environment through the creation of bonds with animals, assuming a maternal role. Sanders emphasized that the focus on motherhood is an aspect that is rarely addressed in animation, which he considers essential.
The character of Roz, introduced for the first time in Peter Brown's graphic novel in 2016, symbolizes the challenge of overcoming her original programming. Sanders shared that the premise revolves around the choice between adhering to what is expected of oneself or transcending those limitations. Roz's story, while based on a single book, has opened the door to two additional novels, suggesting the possibility of a sequel, although no decision has been made regarding that yet.
The production of "The Wild Robot" involved significant risks that ultimately led to its Academy Award nominations. According to Sanders, it was necessary to adopt an innovative approach in creating this film, and he received support from the studio to explore new directions typically reserved for short films. This backing has been crucial for the movie to gain the recognition it deserves.
In the conversation, Sanders also shared his love for animation, mentioning "A Charlie Brown Christmas" as one of his favorite references. With an impressive resume that includes classics like "Lilo & Stitch," Sanders is ready to bring this character to life again in a new live-action adaptation.
With an exciting future ahead for both the Oscars ceremony and the release of "Lilo & Stitch," Sanders's career looks promising. Despite the uncertainty regarding possible sequels to "The Wild Robot," the desire to reunite with Roz on the big screen remains strong.
