When you think of robots, what comes to mind?
You may see impressive images of high-tech assistants programmed to tackle almost any task imaginable, whether it’s sweeping floors, driving cars, or translating languages in real-time. Whatever they’re working on, they’re focused on the job at hand and don’t get carried away by all the clutter that comes with being human.
The wild robotarriving in theaters on September 27th, it overturns those perceptions. An adaptation of novel by Peter Brownthe film follows the misadventures and adventures of Roz, a robot trying to survive – and thrive – in the wilderness of a remote island.
Voiced by Lupita Nyong’o, Roz must learn the art of adapting, both to her surroundings and the less friendly animal inhabitants of the island. And a big part of that learning process is realizing that sometimes, all that planning has to go out the window.
“The main issue [is] Kindness is a force to be reckoned with and family is everything.”
Lupita Nyong’o
“I read Peter Brown’s book and I was hooked,” Nyong’o, 41, tells Refinery29 Somos. “It was an easy book and I liked the themes. It’s classic, it’s timeless, and I felt this would make a really good adaptation.”
The Oscar-winning actress was especially drawn to how Rose managed to win over even the most skeptical animals who initially wanted nothing to do with her. “The main issue [is] Kindness is a force to be reckoned with and family is everything,” she shares. “I relate to Roz’s commitment to compassion – that resonates with me.”
Born in Mexico City and raised in Kenya, Nyong’o burst onto the scene in 2013 with her riveting performance in 12 Years a Slave and has since had leading roles in films such as Black Panther, Usand A Quiet Place: Day One.
While she was the voice behind Mowgli’s wolf mother, Raksha, in the 2016 version The jungle book, The wild robot it is Nyong’o’s first time bringing the lead character to life in an animated film. And that came with its own set of unique challenges.
“Well, unlike all the other work I’ve done—most of the other live-action work—I never met my castmates,” Nyong’o says. “I did everything myself with his help Chris Sandersthe director, who makes an excellent stage partner.”
“I hope so [viewers] they are thoroughly entertained by it, that it stays with them long after the film has been shown, and that they are empowered by the message that kindness is a superpower that we all need to engage with,” says Nyong’o.
Lupita Nyong’o
Watching the final product, he explains, demonstrates the important role that collaboration plays throughout the creative process — even if it has to be done remotely.
“You witness the magic of great editing and the power of a director’s vision to make it all look so seamless,” he says. “It’s made with a lot of love and I think you can feel it when you see it.”
Suitable for audiences of all ages, The wild robot has many markers of a classic animated film: it’s undeniably heartwarming, has countless laugh-out-loud moments, and encourages connection with those who may be different from us, despite isolation and ostracism.
“I hope so [viewers] they are thoroughly entertained by it, that it stays with them long after the film has been shown, and that they are empowered by the message that kindness is a superpower that we should all engage with,” says Nyong’o.
In addition to her current film projects, she’s ready to embrace a new kind of role: podcaster. Earlier this month, it started Take care of yourswhich explores elements of her personal journey from Mexico to Kenya to the United States, while also diving into the lives of real people who similarly find their way in unexpected places.
“I share some stories from my life and I share the stories of other Africans in different parts of the world who are just trying to figure out what it means to belong.”
Lupita Nyong’o
The podcast has been in development for five years. And now that it’s time to share this new platform with the world, expectations are high for Nyong’o.
“I’m very, very proud of it and very excited for people to finally hear it,” she says. “It’s a storytelling show all from the African perspective. I’m sharing some stories from my life and I’m sharing the stories of other Africans in different parts of the world who are just trying to figure out what it means to belong.”
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