It’s undeniable thatStudio Ghibli’s distinctive style and storytelling have influenced countless filmmakers, not only in Japan, but also in the West. Some examples of iconic American animated films inspired by Ghibli areCocofromSpirited AwayandLucafromPorco Rosso. Because of this, it isn’t strange thatDreamWorks' latest hit film,The Wild Robot, has joined the club of Ghibli-inspired moviessince it has the perfect aftertaste of a Hayao Miyazaki work.
The Wild Robothas captivated viewers and critics alike, becoming the best-rated animated film of 2024 and receiving praise for its unique mix of nature, technology, humanity, and found family. However, even though viewers have compared the film to other popular animated movies likeThe Iron GiantandWall-E,The Wild Robot’s director, Chris Sanders, has made it clear itshares a deep connection to the underrated Studio Ghibli’s movie by Miyazaki,Castle in the Sky.
Roz’s Design Was Inspired by Studio Ghibli’sCastle in the Sky
The Laputian Robot Troopers Have Inspired Several Characters in Different Media
Accordingto Oricon News,The Wild RobotDirector Chris Sanders has stated thatRoz’s character design draws inspiration from the Laputian Robot Troopers fromCastle in the Sky. This doesn’t come as a shock to many viewers, since Roz looks strikingly similar to the guardians of Laputa. However, its influence goes beyond its esthetics but also to the feelings these robots convey. It was vital for the audience to connect withThe Wild Robot’s character, and because Laputa robots are speechless, they have a simplicity and expressiveness that inspired Sanders to make Roz more relatable.
We wanted everything about Roz to be conveyed through her actions, movements, and eyes. We worked hard to make her eyes, though 100% mechanical, very expressive. - Chris Sanders
While not as well-known asSpirited AwayorHowl’s Moving Castle,Castle in the Skywas the first movie created by Studio Ghibli, and the Laputa robots have stayed with fans for their complexity. There is a dichotomy between their massively destructive powers and their sensitive characters, since they can be gentle and coexist in harmony with nature despite being artificial creations, becoming the protectors of other living beings. This makes them the best inspiration for Roz, since her character evolves beyond the purpose she was created for, and she adapts and learns to interact with other animals and nature.
15 Best Non-Ghibli Anime Movies That Feel Like Studio Ghibli Movie
These non-Ghibli movies warm the heart, touch on deep themes just like Hayao Miyazaki’s works, and feel as if they were made by Studio Ghibli.
Just like Laputian Robots, Roz has long and slim extremities. They differ from each other because Miyazaki’s design has a steampunk style and an ancient appearance fitting of a guardian—even with one covered in moss to showcase the passage of time—while Roz’s design is cleaner for its futuristic background.The Robot Soldiers also inspired many other media, likeOverwatch’s robot, Bastion,Minecraft’s Iron Golem, and some traces of them can be seen in the design ofThe Iron Giant.
Hayao Miyazaki’s Influence Makes Possible the Beautiful Animation ofThe Wild Robot
The Wild Robot’sVisuals Perfectly Blend Technology With Nature Like a Ghibli Movie
Additionally, in a recentinterview shared by The Hindu, Sanders revealed that he wanted to create a world that visually conveyed the feeling of ‘a Monet painting in a Miyazaki forest’. However,unlike Miyazaki’s exclusive hand-drawing animation, Sanders achieves this effect thanks to cutting-edge technologytechniques mixed with traditional animation.
This film is a technological breakthrough. We got to the point where we could return to animations’ roots. When I was a kid, I watched Bambi, and it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. We are also big fans of Miyazaki and his hand-illustrated backgrounds. - Chris Sanders
This way,The Wild Robotmagnificently blends the 3D animation with a painted background and a remarkable brushstroke effect that doesn’t feel off-putting but highlights the beauty of the characters and the feeling of a live portray in the film. This dedication to creating breathtaking landscapes is what makes both works,The Wild RobotandCastle in the Sky, promote their theme of coexistence between technology and the environment. Furthermore, this proves whyHayao Miyazaki is one of the most influential filmmakersand shows howlooking back at classic movies helps filmmakers create new masterpieces likeThe Wild Robot.
The Wild Robot
Cast
The Wild Robot is an animated drama film based on a series of books by Peter Brown. The adaptation is written and directed by Chris Sanders and stars Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, and Catherine O’Hara. The Wild Robot centers on a robot named Rozzum 7134, who becomes stranded on a deserted island and the guardian of a young orphan.
