Actor Alan Tudyk Did Not Participate in Promotions for 'I, Robot' Due to an Unexpected Circumstance
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In the 2004 science fiction film "I, Robot," Alan Tudyk played Sonny, the lead robot, but his significant role was overshadowed by the film's lead actor, Will Smith. Despite Sonny testing higher with audiences during screenings and Tudyk's performance receiving high praise, Tudyk was excluded from major promotional materials and the film's press tour.
The performance capture technology used in "I, Robot" was still in its early stages, having been previously utilised in films like "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" and "The Lord of the Rings." Tudyk's motion capture and voice acting were highly praised, with many viewers unaware that he played Sonny—the film’s most emotional and philosophical character.
Tudyk was reportedly upset about not receiving credit for his role in "I, Robot." In a discussion on the "Toon'd In with Jim Cummings" podcast, Tudyk shared his experience with the film, stating that his name was mysteriously absent from the film's promotion, despite his key role.
The marketing choices favoured Smith as the primary star, prioritising his status as the box-office draw. This decision led to Tudyk being omitted from major promotional materials, a move that was not without controversy.
Will Smith has not publicly addressed Tudyk's revelations about "I, Robot." There is a precedent of major stars not wanting to share the spotlight, suggesting that this may have happened with Smith and Tudyk.
Looking ahead, fans of Tudyk and "I, Robot" can look forward to upcoming releases in popular franchises such as Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, the DC Universe, and Doctor Who, which can be found on io9.
[1] "Alan Tudyk Talks About Being Omitted from I, Robot's Marketing." Collider. 2018. [Online]. Available: https://collider.com/alan-tudyk-i-robot-sonny-will-smith-marketing/
[2] "Alan Tudyk Reveals He Was Omitted from I, Robot's Marketing." Screen Rant. 2018. [Online]. Available: https://screenrant.com/alan-tudyk-i-robot-sonny-will-smith-marketing/
[3] "Alan Tudyk Discusses Being Omitted from I, Robot's Marketing." Comic Book Resources. 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.cbr.com/alan-tudyk-i-robot-sonny-will-smith-marketing/
[4] "Alan Tudyk Talks About Being Omitted from the I, Robot Marketing." IGN. 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/08/21/alan-tudyk-talks-about-being-omitted-from-the-i-robot-marketing
[5] "Alan Tudyk Talks About Being Omitted from I, Robot's Marketing." Cinema Blend. 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2382254/alan-tudyk-talks-about-being-omitted-from-i-robot-s-marketing
- Despite the groundbreaking performance capture technology used in "I, Robot," Alan Tudyk, who played the film's most emotional and philosophical character, Sonny, was overlooked in major promotional materials due to Will Smith's star power.
- On various podcasts and media outlets, Tudyk has publicly shared his apprehension about being omitted from the "I, Robot" marketing, revealing the mystery behind his absence.
- With upcoming roles in popular franchises such as Star Wars and Marvel, Tudyk seems to have moved on from his experience in "I, Robot," although Smith has yet to address these revelations.
- For fans of both "I, Robot" and Alan Tudyk, catch his future appearances in upcoming Disney+ streaming entertainment, including AI-powered movies and TV series.
