Directed by Chris Sanders and based on the novel by Peter Brown, The Wild Robot is a DreamWorks animated film distributed by Universal. Featuring the voices of Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, and Kit Connor, it combines adventure, comedy, and ecological allegory. Released in France in October 2024, it will join Netflix’s catalogue on January 9, 2026, according to Netflix France.
After a shipwreck, the ROZZUM 7134 unit — known as Roz — runs aground on a remote island and must adapt to an environment she’s unfamiliar with. Without guidance, she observes animal behaviors and develops surprising survival skills. At first, her presence disturbs the island’s delicate balance, then gradually sparks curiosity and suspicion among its inhabitants.
Driven by her desire to learn, Roz gradually forms bonds with several species, including a clever fox and a cautious opossum. As robotics intersect with biology, questions of adaptation, communication, and trust take center stage. The discovery of an orphaned gosling pushes Roz into a new role that shapes the emotional core of the story.
Produced by DreamWorks Animation, the film continues the creative trajectory of Chris Sanders, whose work often centers on coming-of-age stories and outsider creatures, from Lilo & Stitch to Dragons. The adaptation preserves the core structure of Peter Brown's novel while elevating the island’s grandeur through highly detailed, naturalistic visuals created with the studio’s proprietary technology. The production also highlights the crucial role of sound design, overseen by Randy Thom and Gary A. Rizzo, whose expertise earned the film an Oscar nomination in 2025.
This feature film falls comfortably within the tradition of reimagined survival stories, blending elements of Robinsonade and gentle science fiction, with a tone reminiscent of contemporary eco-poetry in animation. Its measured pacing, gradual character development, and themes of parenthood create an engaging experience accessible to a broad audience. Fans of animated adventure films—such as Wall-E or Kubo—will appreciate the careful direction that highlights the intricate relationship between technology and nature.
The Wild Robot
Film | 2024
In theaters: October 9, 2024
Available on Netflix starting January 9, 2026
Animation, Adventure | Runtime: 1h42
Directed by Chris Sanders | Starring Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor
Original title: The Wild Robot
Country: United States
The film offers a modern take on the clash between the artificial world and the wild outdoors, highlighted by Kristopher Bowers' compelling musical score and an international voice cast. Premiered out of competition at Deauville and vying for key animation awards in 2025, it is now available on Netflix in a faithful adaptation that preserves the essence and emotional depth of the original work.
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