The highly acclaimed animated film The Wild Robot, currently in theaters, has been nominated for three Academy Awards this year. ORICON NEWS had the opportunity to interview its director and screenwriter, Chris Sanders.

Chris Sanders, known for his work at Disney (Lilo & Stitch, 2002) and DreamWorks (How to Train Your Dragon, 2010), directs The Wild Robot. The film is based on Peter Brown’s 2016 children's novel The Wild Robot.

The story follows Roz, an advanced assistive robot who washes ashore on a wild island. Unexpectedly, she takes in an orphaned gosling named Brightbill, forming an emotional bond and learning to live alongside the island’s wildlife while facing the island’s impending crisis.

Since its U.S. release in 3,962 theaters on September 27, 2023, the film debuted at No. 1 at the box office with a $35 million opening weekend. As of February 6, it has grossed over $320 million worldwide (BoxOfficeMojo). The film has also received several prestigious nominations, including:

Golden Globe Awards (82nd) – Nominated in four categories
Annie Awards (52nd) – Nominated in a record-breaking 10 categories
Academy Awards (97th) – Nominated for Best Animated Feature, Best Original Score (Chris Bowers), and Best Sound (Winners to be announced on March 2)

Interview with Director Chris Sanders

—Your film has become a global hit. How do you feel about its success?

Chris Sanders:
This is the most exhilarating project I've ever worked on. As production progressed, the entire team fell in love with the story. The animators constantly asked, "What more can we do?"—they were that passionate about it. I felt the same way. Even with deadlines looming, I never wanted to stop working on it. This was a truly special experience.

—The audience feels a deep connection with Roz and the island, making them reluctant to leave. What do you think is at the core of the film’s emotional impact?

Chris Sanders:
I think a lot of it comes from the original author, Peter Brown. I heard that when he was writing The Wild Robot, he kept in mind the idea that kindness is a survival skill. We made that our north star—our guiding principle throughout the film.

The film is also, at its heart, a mother’s story. Many animated films feature absent mothers, but a mother’s presence is incredibly powerful. Additionally, Roz undergoes profound change—something that resonates with audiences. Everyone faces moments where they must change, and while it’s not easy, change leads to growth. I believe that these themes combine to create the film’s emotional depth.

—The butterfly scene is incredibly moving. What makes it so impactful?

Chris Sanders:
That scene strikes a chord because of its purity. It conveys emotion directly to the heart. Music also plays a significant role. I believe that music is the loudest voice in a film, and composer Chris Bowers created a breathtakingly delicate score. The scene speaks for itself without the need for dialogue—just like the moment when the migrating birds take flight.

Another favorite scene of mine is the arrival of winter. The birds leave, the animals prepare for hibernation, and Roz sends out a signal. The animation and the music in that scene enhance its emotional weight, making it one of the film’s standout moments.

—The film is filled with unforgettable moments. One striking scene depicts the Golden Gate Bridge partially submerged in water. Was this a statement about climate change?

Chris Sanders:
Many children in San Francisco were shocked by that scene, saying, "Our Golden Gate Bridge is sinking!" When I asked Peter Brown if the story had a specific time period, he said, "Not really—it’s just somewhere in Earth’s future."

To visually convey that idea, I wanted to include a symbolic image. The simplest way was to use a landmark that everyone recognizes.

—What were the most important elements you focused on while making this film?

Chris Sanders:
There were three things I prioritized in this film. The first was depicting Roz’s journey of growth as she evolves beyond her programming. The second was making sure we fully expressed the message of kindness that the original author wanted to convey. And the third was ensuring that, within the limited runtime of an hour and a half, we didn’t rush the story but instead allowed space for the audience to absorb and process their emotions.

A film is like an airplane flight—where it takes the audience in that time frame is crucial. The placement of each moment matters. I didn’t want it to feel rushed. Creating moments of stillness where the audience could fully absorb the story was our biggest challenge.

—The film leaves a lasting impression, making everyday scenery feel different after watching it.

Chris Sanders:
That’s the best compliment I could receive. If this film moves people in any way, then I consider it a true success.

Source : ORICON NEWS