How Disneynature filmmakers found the story of 'Orangutan' and teamed up with Josh Gad

LOS ANGELES -- High in the treetops of Southeast Asia, a young orangutan named Indah is preparing for her biggest challenge yet: growing up. Her journey is the heart of Disneynature's newest film, "Orangutan," which premieres April 22 on Disney+ to celebrate Earth Day.

The crew spent nearly 650 days filming in the jungles of Borneo and Sumatra to bring this story to life. After capturing an estimated 700 hours of footage, they distilled it all into a roughly 80-minute film.

To learn more about bringing Indah's journey to the screen, On The Red Carpet spoke with one of the film's producers, Roy Conli.

"Orangutans have the longest childhood of any animal besides humans," said Conli. "They will stay with their family, with their mother for sometimes up to 13 years, which is so similar to us. Finding that kind of connection with an animal is so very important to telling the story."

To tell Indah's story, Disneynature turned to a familiar voice: Disney Legend Josh Gad.

Conli, who previously worked with the actor on "Olaf's Frozen Adventure," knew Gad had the perfect vocal range to handle a story that is as funny as it is emotional.

"Josh is stunning," Conli said. "He has comic chops, he has dramatic chops, and he has a heart the size of Chicago."

Conli explained that they wanted to choose someone who could deliver the lighthearted, comedic moments of a playful adolescent while also honoring the "passion and love" shared between the animals.

"When we saw this story, we knew that we needed someone who would be able to tell it in a comedic way, but also bring the depth that Josh delivers," Conli added. "He's just been magnificent to work with."

Beyond the narration, the heart of the film lies in its message of conservation and the massive community effort required to capture it.

"I'm so proud of the team and Disney," Conli said. "It's important for people to understand that these creatures, to some degree, we're responsible for. We need to help, and we need to always keep an eye on them."

That mission was supported by 230 local residents in Southeast Asia, whose expertise Conli described as "absolutely essential."

"These people know the territory," Conli said. "To have these folks who are so ingrained in the location, the behavior, and the customs-you simply can't make these films without local expertise and cooperation."

Conli hopes families watch the film and walk away with a deeper connection to these animals. By focusing on the milestones of childhood, the film shows that growing up is a universal experience, even in the heart of the jungle.

"This is a story of a young orangutan who is finding her place in the world," Conli said. "She is able to navigate the jungles of Sumatra, and in the end, we know that she's going to be okay and she's going to survive."

"Orangutan" begins streaming on Disney+ this Earth Day, April 22.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Disneynature, Disney+ and this ABC station.