Rashida Jones on a Second Season of ‘Sunny’: “There’s Things You’re Going to Want to Know”

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As a seasoned storyteller with a penchant for both the quaint and the futuristic, I found myself utterly captivated by the world of Sunny. The show’s blend of retro aesthetics and forward-thinking ideas resonated deeply with my own journey in the realm of entertainment.

[The story contains mild spoilers from the season finale of Sunny.]

In just under five years since it was launched, Apple TV+ has established itself as a unique platform for captivating, high-quality science fiction content. This week marked the end of its first season for the darkly comedic retro-futuristic series set in Japan, titled Sunny.

In a heartfelt narrative, I find myself drawn into the world of ‘Sunny,’ a captivating tale centered around Suzie Sakamoto, an introspective American woman residing in Kyoto. Tragedy strikes when her husband Masahiko (Hidetoshi Nishijima) and son Zen (Fares Belkheir) vanish in a baffling plane crash. Grief-stricken, I receive solace as Masahiko’s company sends me a home robot named Sunny, equipped with AI tailored to my emotions. Initially resistant, I form an unexpected connection with Sunny and a quirky new companion, Mixxy (played by the clumsy Annie). As layers of mystery surrounding the plane crash unfold, they reveal ties to the Japanese yakuza and domestic politics.

Beyond exploring profound themes like loss, solitude, and female camaraderie, the series Sunny offers an engaging exploration of future technology and artificial intelligence. This production, brought to you by A24 and inspired by Colin O’Sullivan’s book The Dark Manual, purposefully strays from its original source. Notably, creator Katie Robbins (The Last Tycoon, The Affair) and director Lucy Tcherniak (The End of the F***ing World, Angelyne, Station Eleven) chose to make Sunny a female robot instead of her male counterpart as depicted in the book.

In a phone conversation, The Hollywood Reporter delved into various aspects of the series “Sunny” with Jones, exploring the major ideas portrayed in the show, its distinctive style and atmosphere, as well as her personal concerns regarding technology and artificial intelligence’s impact on society.

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This morning, I wrapped up watching Sunny after marathon-viewing it straight through, and let me tell you, it was quite an immersive journey. A real emotional rollercoaster, indeed! Unlike the usual weekly release schedule, Apple opted for a more drawn-out approach in unveiling Sunny. I’m curious to know your thoughts: Do you think this slower pace might have made for a better viewing experience?

Although it may seem traditional and not everyone might agree, I find that the [staggered release] format suits the show well. There are likely some viewers who prefer to start the series only when all episodes are available, as they’re accustomed to that binge-watching pace. However, I believe there are subtle elements throughout the storyline that benefit from being pondered over before reaching the conclusion.

Within the series, there are numerous profound topics that resonate deeply. While grief and solitude are evidently portrayed, other themes such as friendship also shine subtly yet effectively throughout the show.

It seems clear that Katie Robbin intended the story to revolve around friendship, even if it’s an unexpected one. Suzie is not particularly fond of people and isn’t actively looking for friends. However, due to her circumstances, she finds herself depending on others and even non-human entities. This makes her experience feelings and care in ways she may not want to. I believe Suzie is desperate, sad, and lonely, but these emotions can be a blessing if they lead her to forge connections – whether they prove beneficial or detrimental in the end.

Based on what you mentioned, Suzie appears to be a person who dislikes people, which is different from the roles you’re typically associated with, correct? You’re generally recognized for portraying cheerful characters. Was it difficult for you to take on such a role?

As a fellow admirer, let me express that I don’t completely align with the label of being unwaveringly optimistic. Instead, I find myself balancing between hope and practicality, experiencing moments of melancholy just as Suzie does. There are times when solitude suits me best, allowing for my inner world to flourish. I resonate with her complexities and see it as a chance to authentically express myself more, even though I may not have reached the same depths as she has. Intriguingly, there are aspects of Suzie’s character that mirror my own experiences.

Regarding the female bond, it’s worth noting that everyone involved in the creation, direction, and leading roles, including Sunny herself, was a woman for this production.

It’s clear that there are many perspectives on how things are viewed, and each person approaches topics with a unique lens, often influenced by gender. However, it seems that Katie and Lucy had an intention from the outset to emphasize and explore female friendships at the core of their work.

Additionally, the women in this series exhibit a diverse range of personalities. It wouldn’t be accurate to label Sunny or any other woman as one-dimensional. Instead, they are vivid, complex characters with numerous flaws, leaving viewers uncertain about their feelings towards them, including Suzie. We all find ourselves in a gray area, juggling our attempts to do good, battling our own vulnerabilities and loneliness, while also finding solace in each other when necessary. This is what makes this project captivating: it doesn’t provide easy answers or clear moral guidelines. You must simply watch the series and decide for yourself which character intrigues you the most and whose story you want to follow.

Who are the main characters in your story? It appears from the scenes that you interacted with robots. I’m curious, did this dynamic carry over into the actual filming process? In other words, was there a real robot present on set while you were working?

Indeed, it was quite functional. The actress who voices Sunny, Joanna Sotomura, was strategically positioned next to the set. She wore a heavy helmet equipped with a bright light and her lines were displayed for her, allowing her to make appropriate expressions. These expressions were then captured by the camera and digitally transformed to animate Sunny’s face. Essentially, Sunny was a manifestation of Joanna’s facial expressions, and her dialogue was fed into the character through audio. In essence, I was always acting alongside Joanna Sotomura.

 That made it a lot easier, I presume, rather than just working with a tennis ball or something?

Indeed, I’m not particularly skilled in acting, as you can see. *Chuckles* It’s quite challenging for me. For me, the beauty of acting lies in collaborating with others and picking up on the nuances of performance together. Unfortunately, I didn’t have that experience with the robot, but Joanna is an exceptional actor, and I must admit, without her, I wouldn’t have been able to pull it off.

In terms of the main themes of the story, we have robots and artificial intelligence (AI) as key elements. The series “Sunny” is set during a period of intense discussion about AI in art, as well as the role of AI in society. Is it fortunate timing for the show to be released now when these discussions are ongoing, or could it potentially be a disadvantage?

The series we’re working on has been in progress for quite some time. Prior to my involvement, conversations surrounding AI and the associated apprehensions had already started circulating. There have been many uncertainties involved. However, it seems that these discussions have gained significant traction as the release of our show approaches.

Considering the ongoing discussions about AI, is there a chance that the program might be perceived as biased due to its theme?

Fun fact, this show delves into the intriguing world of AI, exploring questions about trust, sentience, and the potential future of intelligent machines. Yet, in a more tangible sense, there’s nothing quite like it currently available that could ease our workload. So, to create the illusion of such advanced technology, we had an exceptional actor bring Sunny’s expressions to life. A woman was responsible for all her facial movements. We had someone maneuvering her back and forth with a remote control. Another person was in charge of updating her software and screen. An entire robotics team worked tirelessly to make her function.

“Being a fan of Black Mirror myself, I’ve had the privilege to collaborate on an episode that delves into the darker side of social media. Regarding the emerging technologies such as AI, while I see their potential benefits, I can’t help but harbor a sense of caution. They could indeed revolutionize our lives for the better, but there’s an undeniable element of uncertainty and potential harm that we must navigate carefully.”

Sunny is a bit more nuanced, there are hopeful elements and there are bad elements.

But generally speaking, are you a bit more fearful about tech and the way that tech’s going?

Here’s one way of paraphrasing your text:

I wouldn’t classify myself as a Luddite, but I do admit that technology has its drawbacks. In essence, humans are naturally inquisitive and sometimes self-indulgent. When presented with something that simplifies life, enhances pleasure, or stimulates curiosity, we tend to pursue it because of our flaws. We crave entertainment, stimulation, connection, and engagement. The question is, what’s the point? The potential outcome could be that we might inadvertently put ourselves at risk, even to the extent of threatening our very existence.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but notice the striking aesthetic of Sunny right off the bat – from the meticulously crafted sets to the carefully chosen wardrobe. Being an executive producer, was I part of the process that shaped its visual appeal? Indeed, I had a hand in it, contributing to the show’s overall atmosphere and charm.

To be honest, I joined the project because it was already so meticulously planned out. Katie and Lucy, the directors, had a crystal-clear vision for the show, and they presented me with a portfolio that mirrored exactly what the show would become. I have faith in their artistic judgment, and they certainly hit the mark. Moreover, I didn’t realize how much I would adore the music in this production! Our composer, Daniel Hart, has created music that is so apt, so captivating, and so unique. It seamlessly blends with the 1950s-60s Japanese aesthetic while still feeling contemporary and cinematic. I was simply a fan of all aspects of the show – the set design, costume design, and they managed to bring in some exceptional artists to bring this world to life.

The costumes, what you were wearing, top marks.

I adore the costumes most of all. The costume designer, Analucia McGorty, had an uncanny knack for visualizing and executing the perfect blend of retro-futuristic style. This is a crucial aspect that encapsulates the essence of Japan and its unique aesthetic, standing distinctly on its own. She truly hit the mark with her design.

So, lets talk about the finale. It’s left open that there’s more to see. I don’t know where you are with what’s happening in terms of a renewal, but there is more Sunny right?

Is it strongly suggested and structured in such a way that reveals little about the ending’s surprises? After watching, did you feel curious or unresolved, or did you find the conclusion satisfying?

In my opinion, Mixxy’s character portrayed by Annie, who seemed rather clumsy, didn’t seem quite right from the start. Sunny was correct from the very beginning, and I think the robot was accurate too. It would be wise to heed the advice of the robot.

Sunny and Mixxy are both off, by the way!

As a gamer, I must say that delving into the world of Sunny feels like stepping into an immersive Apple game that’s yet to be widely discovered. Truth be told, the allure of working on the streaming side, with its array of captivating shows, is quite enticing. It’s like uncovering hidden treasures in a vast digital landscape!

They possess exceptional discernment in selecting content. I only wish more people knew about our program. To be completely honest, I believe [Sunny] is resonating with its intended audience as many have expressed their appreciation for it and often discuss it with me. Apple, in particular, demonstrates excellent taste when it comes to the shows they produce. Furthermore, they are engaging in an intriguing practice by subtly exploring their own identity as a tech company through their programming. This aspect of their work is captivating and innovative.

Sunny is now streaming on Apple TV+.

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2024-09-06 18:27