On September 27, DreamWorks Animation released The Wild Robot, featuring Lupita Nyong’o in the lead role. Last week, the film surpassed $100 million at the box office worldwide and has been praised by critics and audiences. After just two weeks in theaters, DreamWorks Animation has already announced a sequel.

What is ‘The Wild Robot’?

The Wild Robot follows a robot named ROZZUM Unit 7134, known as Roz (Nyong’o), shipwrecked on a deserted island. To survive, Roz must adapt to the unfamiliar environment and form bonds with the local wildlife. In addition to these challenges, Roz takes on the responsibility of caring for an orphaned gosling named Brightbill (voiced by Kit Connor).

The film is based on the 2016 book The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. Chris Sanders, director of Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Croods, shared that he first came across the book through his daughter. Years later, DreamWorks invited him to direct its film adaptation. The film’s art style draws inspiration from classic Disney animated films and the works of Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki. Featuring hand-painted aesthetics, The Wild Robot marks the last time DreamWorks will use this technique, as the studio will now rely on outside vendors for future productions.