In an interview, Jake Gyllenhaal revealed that he felt a strong, predetermined connection to the story of Strange World. He stars as the character Searcher Clade in the animated film, which was directed by Don Hall.
Jake Gyllenhaal, who portrays Searcher Clade in Strange World, stated that he felt a “fated connection” to the Don Hall-directed animated film due to its portrayal of the family as a “microcosm” for society. The Academy Award-nominated actor found the film particularly interesting because it centered on three generations and their connections or lack thereof.
He explained, “The psychological dynamics within a family, the generational issues that we all face, and the difficulty in loving sometimes – these are all things that the story of Strange World resonated with me. And the idea that the family unit is a microcosm for how we treat the world and what is taught within it, eventually influencing how we interact with the world outside of us, really made this a special and fated connection for me.”
In an interview, the actor shared their thoughts on the film’s themes, saying, “I think we all try to define ourselves and separate from our families as we grow up, no matter how much we love them. Our parents often have certain expectations for us and may unconsciously push us in certain directions. Strange World explores the idea of going to a scary or unfamiliar place in order to learn to listen to the people we love. It’s about the unconscious forces at play in our lives.”
The director also commented on the actor’s performance, praising their ability to bring depth and humor to the character of Searcher. Strange World, now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, follows the Clade family as they embark on a mission to save the planet from an ecological crisis, encountering strange creatures and dangers in a subterranean world. The film also features a humorous group of supporting characters, including a mischievous blob and a three-legged dog.
