Alan Tudyk Outshines Will Smith in ‘I, Robot’ Tests: Dropped from Publicity, Reveals Upset!

In a recent episode of the podcast “Toon’d In with Jim Cummings,” Alan Tudyk revealed that his involvement in the 2004 film “I, Robot” was minimized in promotional efforts after test screenings indicated that his popularity among audiences surpassed that of the film’s main star, Will Smith. Tudyk, who portrayed the character Sonny, a robot, through both voice and motion capture, expressed that many viewers remain unaware of his role in the film due to these marketing decisions.

Tudyk explained, “It seems a lot of people are unaware that I played Sonny in ‘I, Robot.’ This obscurity is because during the test screenings, it turned out that I received higher scores than Will Smith. Shortly after, I was excluded from all promotional activities, and my name wasn’t even mentioned.”

“The realization was quite shocking,” he added. “Suddenly, it hit me that no one would realize I was part of the film. I had invested a lot into the role, especially mastering the movements of a robot. At that time, the whole situation was very disheartening.”

The Bangin Beats has contacted representatives for Will Smith for their comments.

Directed by Alex Proyas, “I, Robot” sets its story in the year 2035, where Smith plays a Chicago police detective investigating what seems to be the suicide of a robotics company founder. The company’s robots, which are designed for public service, are under suspicion by Smith’s character, particularly Sonny, portrayed by Tudyk, who he believes might be involved in the founder’s death. The film also stars Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, James Cromwell, and Chi McBride.

At the time of Tudyk’s role in “I, Robot,” motion capture technology was not as widespread in Hollywood, with notable exceptions like Jar Jar Binks in “Star Wars” prequels and Gollum in “The Lord of the Rings.” Tudyk later revisited motion capture technology for his role as K-2SO in “Star Wars: Rogue One” and continued in the role for the Disney+ series “Andor.”

You can catch Tudyk’s complete interview on the “Toon’d In with Jim Cummings” podcast in the video below.