DESPICABLE ME had already become one of the most talked about animated films ever, and now Cal Brunker returns with ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH. The movie features blue aliens, a top tier voice cast, and a distinctly Canadian production. In a rare, candid chat, Brunker sits down with writer Bob Barlen to share their approach, the challenges of animation, and why this project feels like a natural next step for both of them. Here is a window into their process and their hopes for the film.
What first drew you toward a career in animation?
Brunker explains that creativity runs in his family. His grandparents were artists, and he grew up surrounded by art and galleries, always with a sketchbook in hand. He describes a growing realization after high school that desk work and the ordinary office routine weren’t appealing, and animation offered a way to draw exciting things while telling stories. That spark led him to Sheridan College, where the love for drawing evolved into a passion for filmmaking and seeing ideas come to life on screen. Barlen adds that his path started in live action film school, which gave him a grounded approach to storytelling and a strong sense that animation could be a powerful, compelling tool for cinema. The collaboration between them is rooted in a shared love for crafting stories that captivate audiences.
As writers and directors, how much influence do you have over the visual animation of the film?
Brunker notes that while every film faces resource and time constraints, animation lets directors fine tune details at a granular level. Small choices, like adjusting a blink timing or a breath before a turn, add up to a tangible sense of control. The partnership with the studio remains essential, because the studio brings experience and perspective that can lift the project even further. In Brunker’s view the final product reflects a balance: roughly 95 percent of what they want is realized, with the remaining portions shaped by valuable ideas from collaborators along the way. The result is a collaborative effort that still carries the core vision, even when the studio’s input nudges the direction in new, exciting ways.
What do you look for when casting actors for speaking parts?
Brunker describes a cast that is already exceptional, which makes the casting process more about fitting voices to the characters and embracing a flexible approach. Rather than a traditional audition, the team looks for performers who instantly feel right for the role and respond well to direction. They value actors who can pivot quickly when asked to try a different interpretation, which often signals a strong voice actor in the making. Flexibility and the ability to riff creatively are essential, especially for secondary roles, where good chemistry with the main cast can elevate every scene.
How did the idea for this movie come together?
Brunker explains that before he and Barlen joined, the studio explored several paths to determine what would work best. The team sought a fresh perspective and a story arc that would resonate. Brunker then pitched concepts aligned with that direction, and as soon as the fit looked right, he invited Barlen to collaborate. Together they spent months refining the concept and drafting the script, testing ideas and rewriting to sharpen the narrative voice. The process was iterative, with the duo benefiting from ongoing feedback from the studio and other contributors, ultimately shaping a story they were proud to bring to life.
If you couldn’t be a writer or director, which career would you have pursued?
Brunker admits the question is tough but offers a candid reply. Perhaps culinary arts could have been a path, a role allowing him to create, please an audience, and share something tangible with people. He enjoys the idea of combining craft with a direct response from an audience, even if it means shifting to a different medium. Barlen adds that if he could not work as a film writer, he might pursue magic or illusion, a field that mirrors cinema’s aim of engaging viewers, generating wonder, and delivering memorable experiences for groups of people. The shared sense is that both still center on connecting with audiences and delivering genuine entertainment.
Thanks to Brunker and Barlen for sharing their insights. ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH is currently in theaters, inviting audiences to experience the adventure on the big screen.