DreamWorks Animation has confirmed a sequel for the hit sci-fi film The Wild Robot, following its outstanding performance at the box office and rave reviews from audiences and critics alike.
Director Chris Sanders, known for his work on How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch, made the announcement during the Deadline Contenders event on 12 October, where he expressed enthusiasm for continuing the story of Roz (Lupita Nyong’o), the robot protagonist, who, after being shipwrecked on an uninhabited island, must adapt and survive alongside the local wildlife. “100% yes there are absolutely plans for a second one,” he said.
The Wild Robot, which premiered globally after debuting at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), quickly captured the hearts of viewers, amassing US$148 million worldwide against a budget of US$78 million. The film, directed and written by Sanders, is based on the first book of Peter Brown’s popular trilogy.
The cast features a lineup of star voices including Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Mark Hamill, Catherine O’Hara, Matt Berry, and Ving Rhames supporting. The film’s success was highlighted by its near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score of 98%, which it maintained from its TIFF premiere through its theatrical release. DreamWorks’ decision to greenlight the sequel comes amidst a favourable climate for animated features, as evidenced by Disney’s Inside Out 2 generating over US$1.6 billion globally.
The upcoming sequel, titled The Wild Robot Escapes, will delve further into the adventures of Roz as she continues to navigate the challenges of her environment. While details about the plot remain under wraps, fans of the series can expect the sequel to explore themes of technology, nature, and conservation, consistent with the original trilogy’s focus. No specific details have been released regarding the cast’s return or the potential inclusion of new characters.
Production timelines and release dates for The Wild Robot Escapes have yet to be announced, but DreamWorks Animation is poised to capitalise on the strong foundation laid by the first film. As it celebrates its 30th anniversary, the studio continues to push the envelope with innovative storytelling and compelling animation, promising more exciting developments for The Wild Robot.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
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