Netflix’s Arlo The Alligator Boy cast and creator interview confirms it is all about celebrating your weird, quirky, and being different.
To celebrate the release of Netflix’s Arlo the Alligator Boy, I was invited to attend a press junket with the cast and creators of this movie, and the upcoming series. The theme of the movie is very clearly embracing your true self, even if that means being weird and quirky — something that was confirmed time and time again in the interview.
Talent participating in the event:
- Michael J. Woodard (“Arlo,” former contestant on Season 16 of American Idol)
- Mary Lambert (“Bertie,” Grammy-nominated for her collaboration on “Same Love” with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis)
- Ryan Crego (director & EP, story artist on Puss in Boots, Kung Fu Panda 2 and more)
If you missed it, be sure to check out my Arlo the Alligator Boy review.
It Is OK To Be You
Since this movie is made for kids, I think it is fantastic that it spends so much time showcasing that being weird, different, and quirky is OK. That is a very important lesson for kids to learn early on, so putting it at the forefront of this film, and the upcoming series is wonderful. In speaking with Michael, Mary, and Ryan, it was apparent that this is meaningful to them as well.
“I think there’s a character for everyone in this movie. Everyone has this distinctive quality that somebody will be able to identify with, whether it’s Birdie, or whether it’s Arlo, or Felicia, or even teeny tiny Tony. It’s funny because they’re all on the same journey. Like physically, they’re heading towards the same place, but in their lives [too]. Every journey is so unique and specific and special. The diversity is a beautiful thing to see. I think that’s something that everybody will be able to relate with — everyone is so different. I relate with Arlo in so many ways, because he is different. He’s quirky, he’s weird. He’s happy for no reason. The diversity is beautiful, and everybody will be able to relate to someone in this.” – Michael J. Woodard
“What’s exciting about it is that it’s such a beautiful narrative. No matter what story it is, the fact that it’s animated, and it’s targeted toward kids. Show kids that it’s really okay to be your most authentic, brave self. That’s powerful. That’s cool. If you’re a fish wearing a speedo, that’s okay. The message of authenticity and the message of being yourself is so powerful. One thing that really stood out for me in the script was that there wasn’t a single fat joke about Bertie.” – Mary Lambert
“A big part of the theme of the movie, and the value of it is to see these characters who are so different really hold each other up and lift each other up when the odds are against them. When they’re feeling down. Arlo goes out into the world with all this bright eyed optimism, but it’s not easy. What he thinks he’s going to achieve, he has a hard time achieving, and I don’t want to ruin the movie, but almost doesn’t achieve it. He really needs this group of people to support him and to aid him. They all come from their own unique places, but they are a family. I think that this messaging is very important in the world right now. It’s something that I’m super proud of.” – Ryan Crego
Filled With Fantastic Music
Something that my kids really enjoyed about this movie is the music, and they are looking forward to more of it when the series comes out. The songs are a major part of Arlo the Alligator Boy, and will be in the show as well, which was always the plan — and why singers were cast as two of the main characters, Arlo and Bertie.
“I’m excited for music. I love the music. Of course, I’m a singer. It’s good to give Arlo another level of character. It’s good to I know Arlo is already a great person, but the fact that he can blow too — blow as in sing really well.” – Michael J. Woodard
“Obsessed with the songs, It’s mind blowing that I get to sing these songs. I was previously on a label, Capitol Records, and I refused to sing anybody else’s songs. I was like, I’m a writer. I don’t sing anyone else’s songs. [Then] Ryan and Alex played the songs and I was like, I want to sing that, I want to I want to do that! It’s been a really exciting experience. The songs in the series really let loose — our characters let loose a little bit. It’s been a really fun thing to try out different genres. It’s been exciting for me.” – Mary Lambert
“You can’t make a show with these two (Michael & Mary) without doing music. It is the heart and soul, the love of the movie, and we really wanted to make sure that when we got into the series, that we could carry that with us.” – Ryan Crego
Arlo and the Alligator Fun Facts
During the interview we also learned some super fun facts about Arlo the Alligator Boy:
- Ryan does some voices in the film, and the series — including a group of sailors!
- Michael got the role of Arlo after Ryan saw the clip of him getting his golden ticket on American Idol.
- Mary had no acting experience prior to working on Arlo the Alligator Boy.
About Arlo the Alligator Boy
Upon learning that he is from New York City, Arlo, a wide-eyed boy who is half human and half alligator, decides to leave his sheltered life in the swamp and search for his long lost father. The animated musical movie, Arlo the Alligator Boy, will launch Arlo’s journey as he meets a group of misfits who quickly become his new family.
Once Arlo’s adventure lands him in New York City, the series, I ❤️️ Arlo, will kick off as he and his newfound crew set up shop in an abandoned seaside neighborhood and help bring it back to life. Featuring original music including the Follow Me Home!
Arlo the Alligator Boy is coming to Netflix April 16th.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.