Alan Tudyk recently revealed that he was excluded from the promotional efforts of the classic sci-fi film I, Robot. During his appearance on the podcast Toon'd In with Jim Cummings, he disclosed that his performance as Sonny the Robot tested higher with audiences than Will Smith’s role as Detective Del Spooner. This surprising development left Tudyk feeling upset, as many viewers remain unaware of his significant contribution to the movie. Tudyk voiced and performed motion capture for Sonny, providing a compelling representation of the character amidst Smith's lead role.

Why was Alan Tudyk removed from I, Robot's publicity?

Alan Tudyk was removed from I, Robot's publicity due to his performance as Sonny scoring higher with test audiences than Will Smith’s character, Detective Del Spooner, which led to his name not being mentioned in promotional materials.

I, Robot, released in 2004, is a sci-fi film inspired by Isaac Asimov's works. It features a future where robots are a common part of society, and a detective uncovers a conspiracy involving a highly advanced robot, Sonny, voiced by Tudyk. The film blends action, philosophical questions about artificial intelligence, and suspense, making it a popular entry in the sci-fi genre. Tudyk’s portrayal of Sonny was praised even if overshadowed by Smith’s star power, leading to a deeper conversation about recognition in film. Tudyk has since established a strong reputation in sci-fi, playing various notable roles including K-2SO in Rogue One and appearing in Firefly.