Joanna Sotomura voices ‘Sunny‘ on the Comedic-Mystery Series of the same name now streaming in its entirety on AppleTV+.
Joanna Sotomura, acclaimed for her voice work, stars as Sunny in the dark comedy, mystery series on Apple TV+ of the same name. ‘Sunny‘, which is now available for streaming in its entirety, is a collaboration between Apple TV+ and A24, and is based on the compelling novel ‘The Dark Manual‘ by the award-winning Irish writer Colin O’Sullivan, who is based in Japan.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of present-day Kyoto, Japan, ‘Sunny‘ unfolds a deeply emotional, yet humorous narrative. The story follows Suzie Sakamoto, portrayed by Rashida Jones, who receives an AI robot named Sunny as a gift from her husband after he and their son vanish in a mysterious plane crash. Designed to offer emotional support, Sunny becomes more than just a robot; she is a source of empathy and humor that helps Suzie navigate the intricate web of her husband’s past. As Suzie and Sunny delve into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance, the series explores themes of loss, memory, and the intersection of human and artificial intelligence.
Joanna Sotomura’s involvement in the project is particularly noteworthy. Not only does she lend her voice to Sunny, but she also brings a unique personal connection to the role. Being a fifth-generation American of Japanese descent, Sotomura was able to immerse herself in the culture and setting of Kyoto. This connection added depth to her portrayal of Sunny, as she was able to draw on her own heritage to infuse the character with authenticity and emotional resonance. During filming, Joanna was on set to provide not just her voice but also facial expressions that were captured and used by the robot, never having to worry about hair, make-up or lighting, while enjoying being present in her performance. This innovative approach allowed Sunny to reflect Joanna’s nuanced emotions, creating a more lifelike and relatable character.
Joanna Sotomura’s impressive career includes roles in notable series such as ‘Barry‘, ‘The Good Place‘, ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend‘, and ‘I Love That for You‘. Originally from Hawaii and currently based in Los Angeles, Joanna’s work continues to captivate audiences with its depth and sincerity. Her role in ‘Sunny‘ is a testament to her versatile talent and her ability to bring a personal touch to her characters, bridging cultural and emotional divides with her exceptional performance.
Follow Joanna Sotomura on Instagram @joannasotomura.
‘Sunny‘ is now streaming all 10-episodes on AppleTV+.
