The Director, Isaiah Saxon, reveals the secrets behind the adorable appearance of the beast in 'The Legend of Ochi'.
The Enigmatic Ochi from "The Legend of Ochi": A Hidden Gem of the Screen
The enchanting creature hailing from "The Legend of Ochi" has become the internet's newest obsession, right on cue from director Isaiah Saxon. In an exclusive chat with TODAY.com, Saxon unveiled the secrets behind the genesis of the Ochi – the elusive beings inhabiting the lush forests fringing the secluded island village where the family-friendly film unfolds.
"The vision was to design the Ochi as a novel, undiscovered primate species," Saxon shares. "A child watching the film could possibly think, 'Haven't I just missed the BBC special on this creature?' It's all about creating that authentic, real-world feeling."
Helena Zengel and Finn Wolfhard, fresh from delighting audiences as Yuri and the baby Ochi, respectively, share the screen in this heartwarming tale. When Yuri encounters a forsaken baby Ochi, her unwavering determination propels her on an exhilarating expedition through forests, rivers, and even a grocery store – leaving fans and followers melting with every adorable twist and turn.
Filming took place in the picturesque Carpathian mountains of Romania, with the movie incorporating local mystique while adding a sprinkle of cinematic magic. Despite this fantastical setting, it is the baby Ochi's puppet form that lifts the movie to new heights, leaving Wolfhard bewitched.
"Honestly, I didn't even meet the real Ochi until I was on set," Wolfhard confides. "The puppeteers were there to introduce me, and the puppet opened its eyes and blinked, just like a true creature. It was breathtaking."
According to Wolfhard, a complex crew of puppeteers collaborated to bring each Ochi to life, even though only one actor would typically be entrusted with such a role.
"It was six souls powering one creature," Wolfhard admits. "The puppeteers had such incredible performances, making the Ochi look like a truly genuine animal."
Saxon attributes the inspiration for the Ochi's striking design to a lifelong fascination with Chinese golden snub-nosed monkeys. He also borrowed elements from lemurs, tarsiers, and other primates, as well as the musical tones of birds and dolphins for the Ochi's unique vocalizations in the movie.
The irresistible cuteness of the baby Ochi was an essential element from the beginning, Saxon reveals. He partnered with John Nolan Studios in London to construct life-like animatronics for the creatures.
"The prototype was initially furless and voiceless, but the five puppeteers brought it to life, making it a truly captivating being," Saxon recalls. "It was terminally adorable from the very start."
Saxon asserts that using a rod puppet for the baby Ochi added endearing characteristics to the creature, enhancing its appeal to the audience. "The baby Ochi's quirky movements are typical of a young primate struggling to learn how to maneuver its body," he explains. "Those imperfections make the creature even more lovable."
Once filming kicked off in Romania, a relentless quest for unparalleled adorableness ensued for the baby Ochi.
"There was a relentless drive to safeguard the baby Ochi's cuteness on set," Saxon quips. "We even tweaked its appearance a bit, like a last-minute nose job, to make sure it was as appealing as possible."
"The Legend of Ochi" made its debut in New York City and Los Angeles on April 17 and hits theaters nationwide on April 25. The enthusiasm for the baby Ochi has only just begun, with viewers taking to social media to wax poetic about their newfound affection for the creature.
"Just watched THE LEGEND OF OCHI, and I'd die for this little guy," eagerly declares one user.
"I fell head over heels for THE LEGEND OF OCHI. It evokes vibes from classic Amblin films like E.T., Jim Henson's masterworks, and even Studio Ghibli, yet carves its very own niche while inspiring awe," another admirer enthuses. "They don't make family adventures like this anymore."
"Like 'E.T.' was for so many of my generation, I hope there's a child out there whose favorite movie is THE LEGEND OF OCHI, and it ignites a spark to become a filmmaker," a dreamer muses. "A beautiful movie."
"The Legend of Ochi is a heartwarming, fantastical adventure that brings the baby Ochi to vivid life through masterful puppetry and practical effects," another user gushes. "I adore every moment the baby Ochi graces the screen."
Without doubt, there are those who simply can't get enough of the baby Ochi – and lucky for them, the movie is heading to theaters soon!
- The enigmatic Ochi, designed as a novel, undiscovered primate species, has sparked fascination online, making viewers reminiscent of a BBC special on this creature.
- In interviews, Helena Zengel and Finn Wolfhard describe the complex team of puppeteers who brought the adorable baby Ochi to life, making it appear as a genuine animal.
- Director Isaiah Saxon drew inspiration for the Ochi's striking design from Chinese golden snub-nosed monkeys, lemurs, tarsiers, birds, and dolphins, aiming to create an authentic, real-world feeling.
- The irresistible cuteness of the baby Ochi, combined with masterful puppetry and practical effects, has led viewers to compare "The Legend of Ochi" to classic family-friendly movies like E.T., Jim Henson's masterworks, and Studio Ghibli films.
