Chelsea Van Der Zee (left) and Ruby Gillman, the main characters in DreamWorks and Universal Pictures’ latest animated film “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken,” find themselves in a rapidly deteriorating relationship. Lana Condor and Annie Murphy lend their captivating voices to these two intriguing characters, who attempt to navigate human life as teenage students in a charming coastal town. Director Kirk DeMicco and Annie Murphy faced the dual challenge of breathing life into an unusually nasty creature and presenting DreamWorks’ first female lead on the big screen.
In an exclusive interview with Inquirer Entertainment, DeMicco explained, “DreamWorks has always challenged typical storytelling conventions, whether it was portraying an ogre with a heart of gold in ‘Shrek’ or a giant panda turned kung fu warrior in ‘Kung Fu Panda.'” He continued, “With ‘Ruby Gillman,’ we had the opportunity to redefine the portrayal of a kraken, traditionally seen as a monster and evil in Scandinavian mythology. We wanted to turn that perception on its head.”
DeMicco added, “The film allows us to explore what it means for a girl to discover her hidden potential and strength, and how she grapples with the responsibility that comes with it during the challenging high school years.”
The character of Ruby starts off as an insecure girl, longing to blend in with her peers. However, her journey leads her to embrace her true self and realize that she doesn’t have to hide her uniqueness to belong. DeMicco shared, “Ruby becomes a towering 300-foot kraken, radiating strength and power. Her real trial lies in accepting these changes and showing her authentic self to her friends, ultimately finding true acceptance.”
Annie Murphy, who voices the manipulative mermaid Chelsea, acknowledged that this was her first voice-over project. Reflecting on her experience, Murphy revealed, “I’m not a singer, so using my voice in different ways was new to me. This role required me to create big vocal effects and exaggerated speech, which initially took a toll on my voice. I ended up taking voice lessons to find a balance and protect my voice during recordings.”
When asked about the lessons viewers can learn from Ruby and Chelsea’s dynamic, Murphy responded, “As someone who relates more to Ruby, I think the film’s biggest takeaway is that even if you don’t feel like you fit in or are comfortable in your own skin, there are always people who will support and love you for who you are. One failed relationship doesn’t mean you lack a support system.”
Murphy also shared her enthusiasm for portraying an evil character, confessing that it was a refreshing departure from her usual roles. She expressed, “Playing Chelsea allowed me to fully embrace the dark and nasty side of a character, which was incredibly fun. However, leaving that negativity behind after recording sessions felt liberating.”
Ultimately, the film sends a positive message to viewers, especially those going through the challenging phase of figuring out their true selves. Murphy concluded, “The key message of this movie is that your perceived weaknesses can often become your greatest strengths. It’s an important message for kids trying to navigate their identities and aspirations.”
As for a potential redemption for Chelsea, Murphy expressed doubt, stating, “Given her long history as an evil sea monster, it’s unlikely that she can change her ways. The ending for her in this movie seems fitting. While I enjoyed playing her, I didn’t feel much empathy for Chelsea. It was exciting to fully embrace the untamed side of her character.”
While live-action films have made significant advancements in special effects, the choice to tell this story through animation allows for a unique and visually stunning portrayal. Murphy explained, “The script itself was funny, charming, and thoughtful. When I saw the final animated film, the artists’ imaginative interpretation truly brought it to life.”
“Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken” holds a valuable message for audiences of all ages, encouraging self-acceptance and embracing one’s true potential. With its captivating animation and positive themes, it promises to be an enjoyable watch for families.
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