Alan Tudyk Claims Robot Role Tested Higher Than Will Smith in I, Robot

Alan Tudyk revealed that his character Sonny in the 2004 film I, Robot tested higher in audience screenings than Will Smith's character, Detective Del Spooner, leading to Tudyk's removal from the film's promotional tour and a lack of publicity for his role. Despite Tudyk's significant performance involving voice and motion capture, which made Sonny an iconic robot character, studio decisions favored Will Smith's star power in marketing the film. Tudyk expressed shock and disappointment that his contribution was overshadowed, noting that many people were unaware he portrayed Sonny. I, Robot, based on Isaac Asimov's work and set in a future with humanoid robots governed by the Three Laws of Robotics, was a commercial success and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects. Tudyk's career endured, with notable roles including another robot, K-2SO, in the Star Wars franchise. The situation highlights the impact of test audience feedback on studio marketing strategies and actor visibility in major film releases.