Mark Hamill Talks "The Wild Robot" and the Joys of Family Films
Mark Hamill, the iconic Luke Skywalker from the Star Wars saga, might be known for his adventures in a galaxy far, far away, but he’s also a seasoned voice actor with a passion for captivating storytelling. His latest venture takes him to the wild world of DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot, where he lends his voice to Thorn, a grizzly bear in this heartwarming adaptation of Peter Brown’s illustrated novel.
Hamill, who was a surprise addition to The Wild Robot panel at the San Diego Comic-Con, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, revealing that he was "knocked out" by the book. " When they asked me to consider being involved… the first thing I did was order the book, and I was just knocked out,” he shared. "I thought, if they can capture just a small percentage of the effectiveness of this book—and I have to tell you, they just did a fantastic job. When I went in to do the voice session, they had footage. I thought, well, one of the great things was to look at the book, and they kept that."
This dedication to the source material is evident throughout the film, which promises to be a captivating experience for audiences of all ages.
"But it’s just—you have to see it," Hamill said. "I feel like back in the day, when I was trying to describe Star Wars without people having seen it. [ The Wild Robot] is emotional and it works on so many levels. The kids will love it, but everyone’s going to love it. I remember when my kids were small, [I’d] take them to see these movies [like] The Garbage Pail Kids Movie, [and you had to] keep your opinions to yourself [because the kids are] enjoying it. [But] this is one that the the whole family is just going to fall in love with."
Hamill’s insights into the character of Thorn showcase his dedication to understanding the role a character plays within the larger narrative. "We always have to take a step back and say, what’s my function in the film, to make everything work? What function do I serve? And one of the aspects of the book and movie is that all these disparate animals are thrown into this situation where they have to restrain themselves. Obviously a bear is a predator, but they have to work for the greater good, so they peacefully coexist with the animals that that would ordinarily be their dinner."
This element of unexpected cooperation and found family is at the heart of The Wild Robot. The story follows Roz, a robot voiced by Lupita Nyong’o, who finds herself marooned on an island teeming with diverse wildlife. Roz’s journey of adapting to this unfamiliar environment, forging unexpected bonds with animals like Thorn, and navigating the challenges of survival forms the crux of the film.
Adding to the exciting cast is Pedro Pascal as a crafty fox, Catherine O’Hara as a wise opossum, Bill Nighy as a seasoned goose, Kit Connor as a young gosling, Stephanie Hsu as a rival robot, and Matt Berry as a resourceful beaver. Ving Rhames also lends his voice to this star-studded ensemble.
The Wild Robot promises to be a visually stunning animated film with a compelling story at its core. Hamill’s role as Thorn, a character who embodies both the instincts of a predator and the potential for peaceful coexistence, adds another intriguing layer to this heartwarming tale.
The film’s message of finding community in unexpected places, learning to cooperate and build a family, resonates deeply with audiences. It’s a story that appeals to both children and adults, weaving together elements of sci-fi, adventure, and heartwarming connections.
As Hamill eloquently stated, "It’s just—you have to see it." The Wild Robot is poised to be a captivating experience for audiences of all ages, a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
The Wild Robot arrives in theaters on September 27.
