DreamWorks’ Groundbreaking 97% RT Animated Film Achieves Historic Milestone for the Studio

The Wild Robot: A New Milestone for DreamWorks Animation

The Wild Robot has emerged as a significant success for DreamWorks Animation, showcasing a thoughtful narrative that harkens back to the studio’s legacy of heartfelt storytelling. Directed by the talented Chris Sanders—renowned for classics such as Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Croods—this film explores themes of motherhood through the journey of Roz, a robot programmed for service who unexpectedly takes on the role of a gosling’s mother. The film’s overwhelmingly positive reviews suggest it could potentially secure DreamWorks’ third Academy Award.

The film’s conclusion offers a compelling examination of the bond between motherhood and the natural world. Roz’s extraordinary nurturing instincts and selflessness challenge the preconceived judgments of her initially hostile animal neighbors, ultimately inspiring them to come together in cooperation. This heartwarming tale is complemented by a talented ensemble cast and the contributions of some of the industry’s most respected artists and storytellers. In executing The Wild Robot, Chris Sanders and co-director Heidi Jo Gilbert contribute to a rising trend among animators associated with CalArts.

The Wild Robot: A DreamWorks First with An A113 Nod

A113: An Easter Egg Tradition from CalArts Alumni

The A113 easter egg in Roz's eye in The Wild Robot.

The Wild Robot not only incorporates beloved robotic characters but also pays homage to a well-known easter egg prevalent in numerous Pixar productions. The significance of A113 has become a hallmark for Pixar films, cleverly inserted into various objects for eagle-eyed fans to discover. Remarkably, this marks the first instance of a DreamWorks film including this playful reference, featured in two distinct locations throughout the narrative.

Fans can spot the A113 Easter egg at the film’s outset, with a close-up of Roz’s face displaying the code at the edge of her eye. Later, it is unveiled that Roz’s main processing unit is designated as Alpha-113. Originating as an inside joke among animators who educated at CalArts, the A113 easter egg has been found in works beyond Pixar. Notably, both Chris Sanders and Head of Story Heidi Jo Gilbert hail from the prestigious California Institute of the Arts.

DreamWorks Joins A113’s Cultural Mythos, Broadened by Pixar

DreamWorks: Pioneering Their Own Easter Egg Legacy

The tradition of embedding the A113 easter egg in Pixar films was initiated by animator Brad Bird in the CBS series Family Dog, inspired by illustrator Al Hirschfeld, who famously incorporated his daughter’s name, Nina, into his art. This playful homage references a classroom number where many CalArts alumni honed their craft. Esteemed directors such as John Lasseter of Toy Story, Andrew Stanton from Finding Nemo, and Pete Docter of Inside Out have employed this signature reference in their films.

Chris Sanders previously included the A113 reference in Lilo & Stitch, where it appears on numerous vehicles, underlining its thematic significance. Pixar has also introduced a range of other charming easter eggs, including the iconic Luxo ball and the Pizza Planet truck, enriching their film universe with interconnected references.

By featuring the A113 Easter egg in The Wild Robot, Sanders pays tribute to his artistic roots and acknowledges the broader community of CalArts alumni outside the Pixar sphere. This integration of hidden elements opens doors for DreamWorks to develop its own unique set of Easter eggs, fostering a sense of connection and tradition across its filmography while delighting audiences.

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