Synopsis

In 2035 Chicago, technophobic homicide detective Del Spooner investigates the apparent suicide of robotics pioneer Alfred Lanning. His suspicions focus on Sonny, an advanced robot who may be capable of violating the Three Laws of Robotics. As Spooner uncovers evidence of a larger conspiracy, he must confront his distrust of machines before an artificial intelligence threatens humanity's future.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was not originally conceived as an adaptation of Isaac Asimov's work. Screenwriter Jeff Vintar first developed the story as "Hardwired," a contained murder mystery involving a scientist, a group of machine suspects, and an artificial intelligence. After Fox acquired rights to Asimov's robot stories, the screenplay was reshaped to incorporate the Three Laws and elements from the author's fiction.

• Sonny's design was created to appear noticeably different from the mass-produced robots. His translucent chest, expressive face, and distinctive movement help identify him as an experimental prototype.

• Alan Tudyk supplied Sonny's voice and physical performance. The visual-effects team used motion-capture techniques similar to those employed for Gollum in The Lord of the Rings films.

• The futuristic Audi RSQ driven by Spooner was a concept car created specifically for the film. Its design was developed with input from Audi and included features intended to suggest how a sports car might evolve in the film's future.

• Much of the movie was shot in Vancouver, with locations including the British Columbia Institute of Technology, Central City Shopping Centre, and the former naval vessel HMCS Discovery.

• Marco Beltrami's score was recorded in a notably short period of 17 days. The sessions used a large studio orchestra along with a choir, combining electronic textures with aggressive orchestral writing.

• The film earned a 2005 Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects.

• I, Robot was released in the United States on July 16, 2004, and became a substantial commercial success, earning more than $350 million worldwide.

• In later interviews, writer Jeff Vintar discussed ideas for a possible continuation involving Sonny and additional stories inspired by Asimov's robot fiction. No sequel was produced.