Pixar and Disney’s sci-fi comedy film Hoppers is all set to release on March 6th in theaters. It is written and directed by Daniel Chong, who cited Mad Max: Fury Road as one of the influences behind this film. Here’s everything the director revealed in his latest interview.
Hoppers director Daniel Chong credits Mad Max: Fury Road as his action inspiration
Daniel Wong was recently interviewed by Discussing Film regarding his animated film Hoppers. When asked about the action inspirations, the director credited Mad Max: Fury Road as one of the influences. He said:
“Capturing the adrenaline and the crazy, high-stakes action, to me, was the fun of this movie—putting these cute, little adorable animals in the most horrific peril.”
Wong has a point, especially if one were to take the context into consideration. While Mad Max: Fury Road is set in a wasteland, the action in Hoppers is diluted down to cater to a comical tone.
Furthermore, the film blends innocence, survival, and the need for coexistence. The film follows the journey of a college student, Mabel, who spent most of her childhood among animals. Her relationship with wildlife made her sensitive to the plight of animals as a result.
When beaver society is met with perils, she steps in and uses the Hopper technology to hop into a robot, thanks to her biology professor, Dr. Samantha Fairfax. This is especially the case after her efforts to save the beaver colony fail relentlessly.
Through this advanced Hopper technology, one can mentally hop their consciousness into a robot. It allows the person to live through the experiences of animals but also perceive the world through their lens.
Chong’s film reiterates the parallels that are present in his previous movie, We Bare Bears. Animals in both scenarios face struggles and risks at the hands of humans. The underlying theme in both movies is the need for both species to co-exist.
Before working independently as a director, Daniel Chong collaborated with various studios as a storyboard artist. Some of his notable projects are Bolt, Cars 2, Inside Out, and so on.
