Is Wall-E’s Theory of Cannibalism True or a Convenient Plot Device?

One of the theories surrounding the Wall-E movie is that the crew on the Axiom spaceship resorted to eating each other after 700 years of solid food scarcity. Is this theory true? Or is it more likely that the Axiom had a more sustainable solution to their food needs?

Fact vs. Fiction: Axiom's Farm on Board

The Axiom prototype, the central character of Wall-E, was equipped with an on-board hydroponics bay. This would have allowed the crew to grow their own food using nutrient-rich water, making self-sufficiency much more viable. The ship’s robotic crew, particularly the charming E-ve! units, would have been in charge of maintaining these systems. This would ensure that the crew had a consistent and sustainable food supply, far from the cannibalistic assumptions of the theory.

Expanding the Hydroponics System

Hydroponics alone may not have been enough for such a long mission, which is why it’s plausible that the Axiom also had a sophisticated synthetic protein system. This would supplement their hydroponics and provide a more diverse range of nutrients. The inclusion of synthetic proteins in the early 20th century, for example, was a significant step towards food engineering. In the futuristic setting of Wall-E, this technology would be even more refined and reliable.

Emergency Measures: E-vas to the Rescue

Even if the hydroponics bay and synthetic proteins were fully functional, there were still potential emergencies that the Axiom could handle. E-vas, the versatile probes used by the crew, could easily land on a life-rich planet and harvest any necessary materials, including milk and eggs, if needed. This would alleviate any concerns about a complete lack of food sources. The cupcakes in a cup in the movie needed frosting, which could be easily sourced from local planetary resources.

The Nebula Theory: Recycling and Reuse

Another plausible explanation involves a unique adaptation of their food systems. While the Axiom was near a nebula at one point, it’s possible that the crew used the nebula as a sterile processing chamber for their waste. This process would involve collecting waste in large quantities and using the extreme conditions of the nebula to sterilize and convert it into usable materials, including food. This would have ensured a continuous cycle of waste-to-food and kept the ship running efficiently.

Comprehensive Recycling Systems

For such a long mission, it’s highly likely that the Axiom had a complex recycling system. This would include composting human remains to create food for algae and other basic feedstocks. This practice would not only sustain the crew but also reduce waste. The materials released when a human body decays do re-enter the food chain and eventually circle back. However, direct cannibalism, while technically possible, is not a realistic solution. A human body contains all the necessary nutrients, but they are not in a digestible form. This would lead to malnutrition over time, and the scenes of malnourishment in the movie do not match with such a scenario.

Conclusion: Sustainability and Human Ingenuity

The Axiom’s crew didn’t resort to cannibalism but instead relied on a combination of sustainable food systems, emergency measures, and advanced technology. The movie’s plot devices serve to captivate the audience and add to the narrative, but the underlying science suggests a more feasible and sustainable approach to space travel and long-term habitation.

As a Disney/Pixar production, Wall-E often balances reality with fantasy. While some of the food sources may seem far-fetched in a real-world context, it is the combination of these elements that make the story so compelling. Understanding the underlying logic of their food systems adds an extra layer of appreciation for the film’s science fiction elements.