Lupita Nyong'o's Vocal Journey: From Injury to Animation Triumph

Lupita Nyong'o, the Academy Award-winning actress, has demonstrated her unwavering commitment to her craft in her latest project, "The Wild Robot." This animated feature, set to release in theaters on September 27, 2024, marks Nyong'o's first time voicing the main character in an animated film.

The actress's dedication to her role as Roz, a shipwrecked robot, led to an unexpected vocal injury. Nyong'o developed a polyp while perfecting the "programmed, optimistic voice" required for her character, resulting in a three-month period of silence to avoid surgical intervention.

"The Wild Robot" is an adaptation of Peter Brown's 2016 children's book, which tells the story of Roz, a robot who raises an orphaned gosling named Brightbill. The film explores themes of motherhood, the interaction between nature and technology, and emotional growth.

Nyong'o, born in Mexico City to Kenyan parents, found a personal connection to the story. Her experience of returning to Mexico for seven months as a teenager to learn Spanish resonated with the themes of nurturing and leaving the nest portrayed in the film. This personal journey reflects Nyong'o's multilingual abilities, as she is fluent in four languages: English, Swahili, Spanish, and Luo.

The process of developing Roz's voice was a collaborative effort between Nyong'o and director Chris Sanders. The actress drew inspiration from virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri, aiming to capture a sense of relentless positivity and brightness. Nyong'o's approach to the character's evolution showcases her versatility as an actress, which has been evident throughout her career, from her Oscar-winning performance in "12 Years a Slave" to her roles in blockbusters like "Black Panther" and "Star Wars."

Voice acting for animation presented unique challenges for Nyong'o. Unlike live-action filming, where actors typically work on one or two scenes per day, animation voice work requires the ability to jump to any part of the script at a moment's notice. This demanded a high level of vocal dexterity and flexibility from Nyong'o, who has previously showcased her range in various mediums, including her Broadway debut in "Eclipsed" in 2016.

The collaboration between Nyong'o and the animation team was crucial in bringing Roz to life. The actress described the process as a "duet" between her voice and the animators' work, emphasizing the symphonic nature of animated filmmaking. This experience adds another dimension to Nyong'o's already diverse career, which includes roles as a production assistant on films like "The Constant Gardener" and directing the documentary "In My Genes."

"The Wild Robot" premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month, receiving considerable acclaim. The film's grand visuals, subtle humor, and compassionate storytelling resonated with audiences, reflecting the collaborative efforts of Nyong'o, Sanders, and a talented voice cast including Matt Berry, Catherine O'Hara, Mark Hamill, Stephanie Hsu, and Pedro Pascal.

Nyong'o's involvement in "The Wild Robot" aligns with her commitment to diverse and meaningful projects. As a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador since 2014 and an advocate for women's rights, Nyong'o continues to use her platform to make a positive impact both on and off the screen.

"The film will inspire me to go beyond what even I think is possible."

As "The Wild Robot" prepares for its theatrical release, it stands as a testament to Nyong'o's versatility and dedication as an artist. From overcoming vocal challenges to bringing depth to an animated character, Nyong'o's journey with this project showcases her continued growth and impact in the entertainment industry.