The upcoming adaptation of Peter Brown’s The Wild Robot is poised to be a major success for Dreamworks Animation. Director Chris Sanders, known for his work on beloved films like How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch, recently shared some surprising influences behind the new film.

Inspired by classic Disney movies and the iconic works of Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki, Sandlers describes The Wild Robot’s visual style as akin to “a Monet painting in a Miyazaki forest.” Despite minimal footage being shown at CinemaCon 2024, anticipation is high for this unique blend of influences.

Set to hit theaters on September 20th, The Wild Robot boasts an impressive cast, including Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, and Catherine O’Hara. Nyong’o lends her voice to the main character, Roz, as she navigates life on an uninhabited island after a crash landing.

The film promises an epic adventure as Roz, a shipwrecked robot, forms bonds with the island’s animals, including adopting an orphaned gosling. With a star-studded voice cast and a nice storyline, The Wild Robot is set to capture hearts and imaginations alike.