Read ‘The Wild Robot’ Screenplay by Chris Sanders (EXCLUSIVE)

As a seasoned movie enthusiast with a penchant for heartwarming tales and unconventional characters, “The Wild Robot” instantly piqued my interest. The story’s simple yet profound premise of a robot learning to survive on an uninhabited island resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the struggles we all face in our own lives.


One day, Chris Sanders, a filmmaker, dropped by DreamWorks Animation to check out their ongoing projects. It turned out that while exploring the studio, he discovered Peter Brown’s book titled “The Wild Robot.

Initially, Brown’s narrative stirred such a deep response within Sanders that he urgently declared to the studio, “Please, don’t let anyone else have this.” (or alternatively, “He was so moved by the initial part of Brown’s story that he exclaimed to the studio, ‘Please, keep this away from others.'”)

Sanders finds this tale particularly appealing. He appreciates stories where the power resides in vulnerable spots, and that’s exactly what this one offers. It’s mainly about the struggles of life, with no clear-cut heroes or villains. Instead, it portrays characters striving to endure.

“The Wild Robot

The core storyline of the movie revolves around the unique bond between Roz and a goose named Brightbill (played by Kit Connor), who was an orphan. Roz nurtures him, imparting crucial life skills like how to fly and swim before it’s time for migration.

Sanders mentions that while transforming the story into a movie, Brown intended to convey that kindness serves as a crucial tool for survival. “This was something we consistently had at the forefront of our minds during the entire production process,” Sanders explains.

Sanders found that explanation crucial. “Roz embodies an unyielding purity and grace. Her presence transforms the entire island’s atmosphere, as the island symbolizes life and mortality. We managed to capture this essence on film.

When it came to creating and transitioning Roz from script to screen, Sanders aimed to avoid overcomplicating her character’s design with excessive moving parts. He pointed out that among all movie robots he had seen, only the Iron Giant functioned effectively, and it boasted limited movement. Consequently, they decided not to provide Roz with any significant animation beyond her eyes.

It would all come from the voice.

Read the screenplay below.

https://embed.documentcloud.org/documents/25345914-the-wild-robot-final-screenplay/

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2024-11-21 01:17