DreamWorks Animation made a splash at CinemaCon on Wednesday evening by offering attendees a preview of its highly anticipated CG-animated feature, “The Wild Robot.” Director Chris Sanders, known for his work on beloved films such as “Lilo & Stitch,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” and “The Croods,” along with acclaimed actress Lupita Nyong’o, who voices the protagonist, presented raw footage from the upcoming fall release, adapted from Peter Brown’s bestselling book.
Sanders, a three-time Oscar nominee, shared insights into the visual inspiration behind the film, citing influences from classic Disney animation and the renowned works of Hayao Miyazaki. Describing the aesthetic as “a Monet painting in a Miyazaki forest,” Sanders hinted at a visually stunning experience for audiences.
“The Wild Robot” chronicles the journey of a robot named ROZZUM unit 7134, affectionately known as Roz, who finds herself stranded on an uninhabited island. Forced to adapt to her new environment, Roz forms unexpected bonds with the island’s wildlife and becomes the nurturing figure to an orphaned gosling.
Nyong’o lends her voice to Roz, leading an ensemble cast that includes Pedro Pascal, Catherine O’Hara, Bill Nighy, Kit Connor, Stephanie Hsu, Mark Hamill, Matt Berry, and Ving Rhames. The film is both written and directed by Sanders and produced by Jeff Hermann.
In addition to the preview of “The Wild Robot,” the Universal Pictures presentation treated attendees to an extended look at “Despicable Me 4,” the latest installment in the blockbuster franchise from Illumination Entertainment.
“Despicable Me 4” follows the adventures of reformed supervillain Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, as he navigates family life alongside his wife Lucy (Kristen Wiig) and their daughters. The film introduces new characters, including a mischievous new addition to the Gru family, Gru Jr., voiced by Joey King.
Directed by Oscar nominee Chris Renaud and co-directed by Patrick Delage, “Despicable Me 4” promises a fresh chapter in the franchise, featuring a new villain named Maxime Le Mal, voiced by Will Ferrell, and his accomplice Valentina, voiced by Sofia Vergara. The cast also includes Stephen Colbert, Chloe Fineman, and returning favorites such as Pierre Coffin as the Minions and Steve Coogan as Silas Ramsbottom.
With “The Wild Robot” set to captivate audiences with its heartfelt story and visually stunning animation, and “Despicable Me 4” promising laughter and excitement, both films are poised to make waves in the world of animated cinema upon their respective releases.
