Alan Tudyk Alleges Studio Downplayed his Role in ‘I,Robot’ After Positive Test Screenings
Alan Tudyk,a prolific character actor known for his work in sci-fi,has revealed a surprising story about his involvement in the 2004 film I,Robot.He claims the studio deliberately minimized his presence in the film’s marketing campaign after test audiences responded more favorably to his character, Sonny the Robot, than to Will Smith‘s lead role.
The film, directed by Alex Proyas, centers on Detective Del Spooner (Smith) investigating a potential murder committed by a highly advanced robot. Tudyk not only voiced Sonny but also provided the full motion capture performance, bringing the complex character to life.
During a recent appearance on the Toon’d In with Jim Cummings podcast, Tudyk detailed the situation. He explained that feedback from test screenings indicated Sonny resonated with audiences even more than Spooner.
“A lot of peopel didn’t know I did Sonny the Robot in I, Robot, and there’s a reason for that,” Tudyk stated. “They were doing test audiences, and I got word back that I was testing higher than Will Smith.”
Following this feedback, Tudyk alleges he was effectively removed from the promotional efforts. He received no publicity, and his name was absent from marketing materials.
This decision left him understandably frustrated.”I was so shocked,” he said. “I was like, ‘Wait, nobody is going to know that I’m in it!’ I put a lot into it, and at the time, I was very upset.”
This isn’t the first time concerns have been raised about studios prioritizing star power over character performance. However, Tudyk’s account offers a rare, direct perspective on how such decisions can impact an actor’s visibility.
Despite this experience, Tudyk has continued to thrive in the sci-fi genre. You may recognize him as K-2SO in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and the Andor series on Disney+.He also played Hoban “Wash” Washburne in Firefly and recently appeared as Superman Robot 4 / Gary in James Gunn’s Superman.
His consistent work in beloved franchises demonstrates his talent and enduring appeal, even when behind layers of CGI or robotic vocalizations. Ultimately, tudyk’s story serves as a reminder of the often-complex dynamics at play within the film industry and the importance of recognizing contributions beyond the leading roles.
