When audiences think back to the 2004 sci-fi blockbuster I, Robot, most remember Will Smith’s high-octane performance as Detective Del Spooner. But behind the film’s success lies a surprising story recently shared by actor Alan Tudyk—the voice and motion-capture performer who brought the sensitive robot Sonny to life.

On a recent podcast appearance, Tudyk revealed that his role was deliberately downplayed during the film’s publicity campaign. According to him, early test screenings showed that audiences responded more strongly to Sonny than to Smith’s lead character. In fact, viewers rated Tudyk’s robot performance higher than the human protagonist. The unexpected result, he says, led to studio executives cutting him out of the press entirely.

“I was gone. I was done. There was no publicity and my name was not mentioned,” Tudyk recalled, admitting that the decision left him “very upset.”

The Politics of Publicity

Hollywood is no stranger to strategic marketing. In 2004, Will Smith was one of the biggest box office draws in the world, and I, Robot was heavily positioned as his next summer tentpole. Giving too much attention to Tudyk’s breakthrough role—especially when audiences were reportedly connecting with the robot more than the human star—was seen as a potential risk to the film’s promotion.

As a result, Tudyk’s groundbreaking motion-capture performance was largely invisible outside the film itself, despite being one of the earliest examples of an actor bringing emotional nuance to a fully digital character.

Legacy of Sonny

Looking back, Tudyk’s work in I, Robot stands out as ahead of its time. His portrayal of Sonny combined vulnerability, curiosity, and fear, giving the robot a heart that resonated deeply with viewers. Many fans still cite Sonny as one of the most memorable aspects of the film—proof that audiences were ready to embrace digital characters with emotional weight.

Tudyk would go on to become one of Hollywood’s most celebrated voice and motion-capture performers. From the sarcastic droid K-2SO in Rogue One to animated favorites in Disney films like Frozen and Moana, he has carved a unique place in modern cinema.

Recognition at Last

Two decades later, Tudyk’s revelation shines a light on the behind-the-scenes politics of blockbuster filmmaking, but it also offers him some long-overdue recognition. What was once hidden in marketing strategies is now celebrated by fans who recognize Sonny as the beating heart of I, Robot.

In the end, Tudyk’s experience is a reminder of how easily groundbreaking performances can be overshadowed—but also how time has a way of setting the record straight.