Actor Alan Tudyk claimed he outperformed Will Smith in test screenings for the 2004 film “I, Robot”. Tudyk’s role as Sonny, a robot who helps detective Del Spooner (played by Smith) solve his creator’s death, was deemed more popular among audiences. As a result, Tudyk was excluded from much of the film’s publicity.
In an interview on the “Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings” podcast, Tudyk stated that test audiences scored Sonny higher than Del Spooner, leading to his absence from promotional activities. The actor attributed this to fans’ unfamiliarity with his character, as they were only shown in select screenings.
Tudyk also discussed his experience working on “I, Robot”, citing the role’s impact on popular culture and its relevance in today’s era of artificial intelligence. He expressed being upset at the time but now appreciates the opportunity to be recognized for his voiceover performances.
Tudyk is known for his extensive voice acting work, including roles like K-2SO in the “Star Wars” universe and Sonny in “I, Robot”. His notable live-action credits include “Resident Alien” and “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story”.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/08/12/alan-tudyk-i-robot-role-will-smith/85622029007