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I, Robot (film)

I, Robot is a 2004 science fiction action film directed by Alex Proyas and starring Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, James Cromwell, and Alan Tudyk.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

I, Robot is a 2004 science fiction action film directed by Alex Proyas and starring Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, James Cromwell, and Alan Tudyk. Set in Chicago in 2035, it follows a detective investigating the apparent suicide of a robotics scientist and a possible robot-related conspiracy. The film is loosely based on Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot short-story collection rather than being a direct adaptation.

Plot

The story is set in 2035, when robots are widely used in public service and everyday life under the Three Laws of Robotics. Detective Del Spooner investigates the apparent suicide of robotics pioneer Alfred Lanning and uncovers signs of a larger threat. A humanoid robot named Sonny becomes central to the investigation and the wider conspiracy.

Production

The film was directed by Alex Proyas from a screenplay by Jeff Vintar and Akiva Goldsman. It was produced as a loosely inspired interpretation of Asimov’s work rather than a faithful adaptation.

Cast

Will Smith plays Detective Del Spooner, with Bridget Moynahan as robot expert Dr. Susan Calvin and Alan Tudyk as the robot Sonny. The cast also includes Bruce Greenwood and James Cromwell.

Reception and release

The film opened in the United States in July 2004 and in the United Kingdom in August 2004. It performed strongly at the UK box office on release. The film was released in Canada in 2004 and was part of the same North American theatrical rollout as the United States release.

Key facts

  • The film uses Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics and several characters from his stories, but it is not a direct adaptation.
  • The plot centres on Detective Del Spooner investigating the death of U.S. Robotics founder Alfred Lanning.
  • A humanoid robot named Sonny becomes central to the investigation and the wider conspiracy.
  • The film was released in 2004 and topped the UK box office on its opening weekend.
  • It was marketed as a sci-fi action thriller with mystery elements.
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Canadian context

The film was released in Canada in 2004 and was part of the same North American theatrical rollout as the United States release.[13]

Frequently asked questions

Is I, Robot based on Isaac Asimov’s book?
Yes, but loosely. The film draws on Asimov’s short-story collection, its Three Laws of Robotics, and some characters, but it is not a direct adaptation.
Who directed I, Robot?
Alex Proyas directed the film.
Who stars in I, Robot?
The main cast includes Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, James Cromwell, and Alan Tudyk.
What is the film set in?
It is set in Chicago in the year 2035.
What genre is I, Robot?
It is generally described as a science fiction action film with mystery and thriller elements.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I,_Robot_(film)
    Supports: Director, cast, year, setting, Asimov basis, release information, and UK box office note
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/i_robot
    Supports: Synopsis, genre, and key plot details
  3. Lozier Institute — https://lozierinstitute.org/movie-reviews/i-robot-2004/
    Supports: Production credits, setting, and loose basis on Asimov
  4. BBC — https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2004/08/03/i_robot_2004_review.shtml
    Supports: Plot overview and Asimov connection
  5. STEKOM University encyclopedia — https://p2k.stekom.ac.id/ensiklopedia/I,_Robot_(film)
    Supports: Canadian and U.S. release date