DreamWorks Animation, known for hits like Shrek, The Boss Baby, and How to Train Your Dragon, has unveiled the Japanese dub cast for its latest film, The Wild Robot, set to release in Japan on February 7, 2025. Haruka Ayase will voice the lead character, Roz, supported by Tasuku Emoto, Fuku Suzuki, Maiko Ito, and other prominent talents.

About the Story

Based on Peter Brown’s acclaimed The Wild Robot series, the film tells the heartfelt story of Roz, a cutting-edge assist robot who unexpectedly awakens on a deserted island. As Roz learns to care for others, she bonds with the island's wildlife, navigating challenges together to protect their shared home.

Directed and written by Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon), the film blends emotional depth with stunning animation.

Japanese Official Site

Cast and Roles

Haruka Ayase as Roz
Ayase returns to voice acting after six years to bring life to Roz, a robot whose programming evolves as she experiences emotions like love and loneliness. Initially hesitant to take on a robot role, Ayase commented:
“Roz starts off speaking stiffly, but as she feels emotions, her speech becomes more human-like. That transformation was challenging yet fascinating. I also loved how helping the animals became Roz’s source of joy.”

Tasuku Emoto as Chakkari (the Fox)
Emoto voices Chakkari, a sly yet timid fox who becomes Roz’s confidant. Reflecting on the experience, he said:
“Chakkari’s charm lies in his balance of cool maturity and childish playfulness. Thanks to the director’s detailed guidance, the process was fun and rewarding.”

Fuku Suzuki as Kirari (the Goose)
Suzuki plays Kirari, a goose raised by Roz, and connected with the character’s optimism:
“I’m naturally positive, so I felt close to Kirari. Although voicing robotic terms like ‘auxiliary cooling system malfunction’ was tricky, it was a fun challenge!”

Maiko Ito as Pinkshippo (the Opossum)
Ito voices Pinkshippo, a motherly opossum who aids Roz in raising Kirari. On the character, she shared:
“Pinkshippo is a bold, loving mother, which required performing at an energy level 5–10 times higher than usual acting.”

Other cast members include:
Shigeru Chiba as Kubinaga (leader of the migratory birds)
Atsumi Tanezaki as Wontora (a robot sent to retrieve Roz)
Takahiro Yamamoto as Paddler (the Beaver)
Mio Tanaka as Thorn (the Bear)

A Heartfelt Adventure

The story begins when Roz, designed to assist humans, is stranded on a deserted island after a typhoon. While exploring her surroundings, she witnesses the hatching of a goose egg, names the chick “Kirari,” and becomes its guardian with the help of Pinkshippo and Chakkari.

Roz’s determination to nurture Kirari leads to moments of emotional growth, including the poignant farewell when Kirari leaves the nest. Roz, experiencing emotions for the first time, asks:

“What do you call this overwhelming warmth in my chest that I can’t process?”

The animals, initially wary of Roz, come to accept her as family. But when robots arrive to retrieve her, Roz teams up with the island’s creatures to fight for their home in a climactic battle for survival.

Poster Visual

The poster captures Roz running with arms wide open, Kirari perched on her shoulder, while Chakkari, Pinkshippo, and the other animals follow with vibrant expressions. The stunning artwork symbolizes the bond between Roz and her newfound family.

Source : ORICON NEWS