Connecting with the Cast of The One and Only Ivan | Virtual Press Conference

During these times, press conferences for films aren’t what they used to be. Enter Zoom and Virtual Press Conferences. Thankfully through modern technology we get insight into these beautiful films. Moderated by Grae Drake, The One and Only Ivan cast talks about this movie with a lot of heart.

The One and Only Ivan’s star-studded cast on the Virtual Press Conference included:

Bryan Cranston (“Mack”)
Angelina Jolie (“Stella”)
Sam Rockwell (“Ivan”)
Danny DeVito (“Bob the dog”)
Helen Mirren (“Snickers the poodle”)
Chaka Khan (“Henrietta the chicken”)
Phillipa Soo (“Thelma the parrot”)
Brooklynn Prince (“Ruby”)
Arianna Greenblatt (“Julia”)
Ramon Rodriguez (“George”)
Ron Funches (“Murphy the rabbit”)
Mike White (“Frankie the seal” / screenwriter)
Director Thea Sharrock

The Movie With Heart

The one thing that everyone agreed on was how much heart is in this story. Although it can’t be released in theaters, we are fortunate enough to get this beautiful story, based on Katherine Applegate’s book by the same name, straight into our homes on Disney Plus. 

When questioned about the adaptation to film, Director Thea Sharrock said, “There are also some very important, big issues captured within the book that Katherine Applegate, for me, just managed to catch a level that meant that when I first read the book with my kids, they just absolutely loved it. And they connected with it emotionally on a level that they really appreciated the journey that these characters go on. We wanted to monitor the humor, because we always wanted to balance it and keep that aspect going but not to be afraid of connecting with the emotionality of what is a really very powerful story.”

Angelina Jolie not only lends her talent as the voice of Stella, but she’s also a producer. She wanted to be involved with this project, because she knew that this younger generation wanted to make a difference. “I know this young generation is really very aware of what is happening in the world to our natural habitats, to these animals, what’s happening in the Congo…with the gorillas, the elephants, and they’re angry. They can see their actions make change.”

The young actors in the film also had read the book and wanted to make their mark.

Arianna Greenblatt (Julia) chimed in “Especially as I’m so young I wanna make change as well. Having that moment of the kid talking to the adult [in the film] of how to help and how to change, it’s a really cool moment.”

What Can The One and Only Ivan Teach Us?

There are plenty of messages audiences can learn from in The One and Only Ivan. It can even teach us about living in these times of a pandemic.

Danny Devito said that Ivan teaches to rely on your friends. “That’s big. Being in that circle of that-the closest circle that you have- especially we’re all in the pandemic you’re always looking for your family or your friends.”

Ramon Rodriguez added, “And I love the message that you get to find yourself even later in life. You know we’re continually on this journey. And here we are in this very interesting time… And I think these moments actually allow us to hopefully come out of it maybe a bit more evolved.”

The One and Only Ivan hits all the right emotional notes. Screenwriter Mike White said he felt really lucky because the characters in the book are so rich. “It’s so emotional and very soulful for a children’s book or young adult book.” So he was able to use that soulfulness and expand on the plot in this film. 

I know after I watched it, I felt moved to bring about change. My family and I felt compelled to make a difference in the lives of animals. 

As Angelina Jolie said, “When art gets it right, when creativity gets it right it’s that deep place in us that then reaches that personal connection with someone else.”

Be prepared to make that connection with The One and Only Ivan streaming on Disney Plus August 21st!

Check out the complete press conference below.