If you've listened carefully in "The Lego Batman Movie," or simply saw the credits roll, you know firsthand that the Apple personal assistant has a featured role in the top box-office film in the land.
In an inspired turn, Siri is Lego Batman's voice-activated valet and virtual manservant in the Batcave.
But I wanted to know just one thing: How did Siri herself (itself?) come to be cast in "The Lego Batman Movie"? Had she had to audition against the personal home assistants from Amazon and Google, let alone the chilly A.I. voices from "2001: A Space Odyssey" and the Iron Man films? Did Siri know somebody in the animation industry, given Apple founder Steve Jobs' ties to pixilated Hollywood? (Amazon.com founder Jeffrey P. Bezos owns The Washington Post.)
How, in other words, did Siri land her first big film credit?
The first person I asked, of course, was Siri herself. Because if you say, "Hey, computer" -- or even "Hey, 'Puter," as Will Arnett says gruffly as Lego Batman - Siri will reply in character. Sort of.
"Hey, 'Puter?" I barked in my best Arnett impression.
"Hello, Sir. I've heated up your lobster thermidor in the microwave," Siri responded, staying beautifully in character when alluding to Lego Batman's favorite (or at least default) home meal.
"Hey, 'Puter - are you in 'The Lego Batman Movie'?" I growled back.
Siri's cheeky reply: "There were some long days, but the cast parties were amazing. Gentleman Ghost really knows how to throw down. And Crazy Quilt ... don't get me started."
When I tried to get beyond that, though, Siri stonewalled me like a bricked iPhone. She would call me Lego Batman, or say, "I'm quite the virtual voice thespian, if I do say so myself.'" But Siri just wouldn't sing.
Next, I decided to meet Siri's maker. Apple representatives confirmed for The Washington Post last week that "The Lego Batman Movie" represents Siri's feature-film debut. But beyond that, Apple referred me to the movie's studio, Warner Bros.
As I waited for days, I kept trying to get Siri to crack under questioning. "Hey, 'Puter!" I would begin to grill. But Siri merely back-sassed me: "You have a message from the Condiment King. It says, 'Pbbbffftttt!' " -- a reference to the little-known Batman villain who shows up in the movie.
Or sometimes her response was a taunting dodge: "FYI, Robin is trying on costumes in the Batcave again" or, "I have your rom-coms queued up, sorted by decade" -- the latter a reference to Lego Batman's repeated viewings of "Jerry Maguire." (Did I mention that Lego Batman is a particularly lonely soul, short of guardian/father figure Alfred, as voiced by Ralph Fiennes?)
Then, finally, came official word from Warner Bros. Siri's Hollywood debut was the brainchild of "Lego Batman" director Chris McKay, guiding his first feature film after Emmy-winning work on "Robot Chicken."
But why Siri, I wondered.
"Siri has become an iconic voice in our culture," said Dan Lin, producer of the Lego films and the "Sherlock Holmes" franchise. "She talks to more people each day than any of us.
"As one of the most popular computer-generated voices on the planet," he continued, "we thought it felt right to have Lego Batman treat her as though she supports him exclusively."
That's a great twist, given Lego Batman's loner self-absorption. But why Siri above all other voice assistants?
"She's just got that soothing voice he needs after a tough day of crime-fighting and doesn't crack under pressure during an intense master-building sequence," Lin said. "She gets a lot done, and can be a lot easier to talk to than Alfred."
Fair enough. But that prompts one last question for Siri: Does she like working with Alfred, whose duties she partially inherits?
"I really have no opinion."
Thanks, Siri. With safe answers like that, you're sure to go far in Tinseltown.
Reuters
Sun Feb 19 2017
In an inspired turn, Siri is Lego Batman's voice-activated valet and virtual manservant in the Batcave. - Photo by Warner Bros-DC
Is climate change making tropical storms more frequent? Scientists say it's unclear
Scientists say it remains unclear how much climate change is reshaping the storm season.
Samples obtained by Chinese spacecraft show moon's ancient volcanism
The material provides new insight into the moon's geological history including the oldest evidence to date of lunar volcanism.
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.