Disney’s latest animated feature “Big Hero 6” is definitely a break from the mold of their traditional format.
Opening in theatres this weekend, the film showcases a diverse group of unlikely heroes who use their brains to develop their own power.
The premise for the film took shape when “Big Hero 6” co-director Don Hall visited Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute several years ago.
Inspired by an inflatable robotic arm and hand developed at CMU in Chris Atkeson’s lab by Siddharth Sanan during his Ph.D. thesis research, Hallknew instantly that the Baymax character in the film he was co-directing with Chris Williams for Disney would also be an inflatable robot.
In “Big Hero 6,” Baymax, a gentle robot designed as a healthcare aide for humans, is transformed into a warrior. He joins a band of high-tech heroes – led by robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada – to fight against a plot that threatens to destroy the fast-paced, high-tech city of San Fransokyo.
Wasabi, a character portrayed by Damon Wayans Jr., offers his take on the unique role of using the wonder and mystery of science as one’s primary weapon for fighting crime.
How does it feel to be among a group of superheroes known for their brain instead of brawn?
I did not set out to become a superhero. I’m a nerd. I mean—who in his right mind goes up against a seriously bad guy in a kabuki mask? Me, right? (What was I thinking?)
My buddy Tadashi always told us to think our way out of a tough spot—and that’s the truth. If you’ve got it going on upstairs, there’s nothing you can’t do. Brain power makes us all super.
You and the rest of “Big Hero 6” present the notion that science is cool to young people – including Hero. Why was that important?
Uhhhh—because science IS cool.
What’s the most fun thing about science and robotics?
You have the power to make crazy ideas not so crazy anymore. I mean, I’m running around with plasma blades all over the place—who’d believe THAT was possible?
But the absolute best thing about science is that it pays to be organized—I get chills just thinking about it.
The Big Hero 6 crew essentially uses science to save the day. How have you applied elements of the subject within your everyday life?
Science is everywhere. It’s the basis for the phone you use—the car that gets you to school every day. The toothpaste you brush your teeth with was made with science—and you should brush at least twice a day, by the way. And floss. Flossing’s good for your gums.
What would you tell a young person who said they want to be a scientific superhero just like Wasabi? What kinds of things would they need to accomplish and/or master to achieve at particular goal?
First of all—you have to have a plan: what do you want to figure out and what do you need to do to solve your very own mystery? Next, you break it down: take that giant goal and bust it into a whole bunch of smaller goals that don’t seem too scary. Then you just dive in and go for it one step at a time. Have fun!
(But be careful, too. Always wear safety goggles and try not to blow anything up.)
Big Hero 6 opens in theatres nationwide on Friday, November 7. The film is rated PG with a running time of 105 minutes.
