Actor Alan Tudyk has disclosed that his involvement in the 2004 sci-fi film I, Robot was deliberately downplayed by the studio after test audiences expressed greater favorability toward his portrayal of Sonny, a robot character, than toward Will Smith’s lead role. Tudyk, who provided both voice and motion capture for Sonny, shared this revelation during an appearance on the Toon’d In! podcast.
According to Tudyk, following the test screenings, he was informed that his character had outperformed Smith’s in audience ratings. As a result, the studio chose to minimize his presence in the film’s promotional materials, omitting his name and reducing his visibility in marketing efforts. Tudyk expressed his disappointment, noting that despite his significant contribution to the film, he received no public acknowledgment.
Directed by Alex Proyas, I, Robot is set in a futuristic society where robots are integrated into daily life under strict ethical guidelines. The film explores themes of artificial intelligence and human-robot relations, with Smith starring as Detective Del Spooner, who investigates a suspected robot-related crime. Tudyk’s character, Sonny, serves as a pivotal figure, challenging the established norms of robotic behavior.
The film, produced by 20th Century Fox, achieved commercial success, grossing over $347 million worldwide against a production budget of $120 million. It was also nominated for Best Visual Effects at the 77th Academy Awards.
Tudyk’s experience on I, Robot has resurfaced amid the recent cancellation of his television series Resident Alien. Reflecting on both events, Tudyk expressed a sense of déjà vu, highlighting ongoing challenges in the entertainment industry regarding recognition and credit for performers.
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