Storks revives the ancient myth about avian baby deliveries

When did storks start delivering babies?

We’ll let noted social historian and actor Andy Samberg explain the origin of the legend.

“It’s this 1,000-year-old myth. But really it started when the first parent didn’t want to explain to their kid how a baby gets made. So they said that a bird brings it,” says Samberg. “The myth is [less prevalent] with young children right now. But not for long.”

The legend of the aquatic bird bringing baby joy to households will fly for a new generation when the animated Storks sails into cinemas this week.

The family film is borne from the most unusual of sources: Nicholas Stoller, the writer/director best known for raunchy live-action comedies such as the Bad Neighbours franchise.

Stoller developed the idea as he and his wife struggled with fertility issues to have their second child. It made perfect sense to Samberg, who signed on to voice ambitious stork Junior, the heir apparent to a profitable, Amazon-like internet delivery service.

“Nick said to me that this is his baby,” says Samberg, who adds quickly, “Pun intended. You have to own your puns these days. No one does that.”