Grammy winner Maren Morris penned two original songs specifically for DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot. The animated adaptation of Peter Brown’s award-winning bestseller, featuring Lupita Nyong’o as the voice of the titular character, opens in theaters on September 27, 2024.
“I was so emotionally moved by this story as a mother,” says Maren Morris. “Writing the songs for this film was such an honor because it made me feel even closer to my son, especially when I’m touring and sometimes have to be far away from him. The entire Wild Robot team has been so supportive of the creation of these songs and I’m so excited for the world to see this film.”
DreamWorks Animation’s new video features Morris’ “Kiss the Sky” which accompanies a scene of geese migrating in the film. Morris’ second song, “Even When I’m Not,” will play over the film’s end credits. Maren performed both songs and co-wrote with Ali Tamposi, Michael Pollack, Delacey, Jordan Johnson, and Stefan Johnson. Isaiah Tejada also wrote on “Even When I’m Not.”
“The epic adventure follows the journey of a robot—ROZZUM unit 7134, ‘Roz’ for short — that is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island and becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling,” reads DreamWorks Animation’s synopsis. “The film, starring Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o as the voice of Roz, is a powerful story about the discovery of self, a thrilling examination of the bridge between technology and nature, and a moving exploration of what it means to be alive and connected to all living things.”
In addition to Lupita Nyong’o, the voice cast includes Pedro Pascal, Catherine O’Hara, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, and Stephanie Hsu. Mark Hamill, Matt Berry, and Ving Rhames also voice characters in the family-friendly adventure.
Three-time Oscar nominee Chris Sanders adapted Peter Brown’s book and directs. Jeff Hermann serves as a producer.
