Clifford the Big Red Dog (film)
Clifford the Big Red Dog is an upcoming live-action/CGI-animated family comedy film directed by Walt Becker and written by Jay Scherick, David Ronn, Annie Mumolo and Stan Chervin. It is based on Norman Bridwell's series of children's books of the same name. The film stars Darby Camp, Jack Whitehall, John Cleese, Sienna Guillory, Kenan Thompson, and Rosie Perez, as well as the voice of David Alan Grier.
Clifford the Big Red Dog | |
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Directed by | Walt Becker |
Produced by |
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Written by |
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Based on | Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell |
Starring | |
Music by | John Debney |
Cinematography | Peter Lyons Collister |
Edited by | Sabrina Plisco |
Production companies | |
Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
Release date |
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Country | United States |
Language | English |
Premise
As Emily Elizabeth (Darby Camp) struggles to fit in at home and at school, she discovers a small red puppy who is destined to become her best friend. When Clifford magically undergoes one heck of a growth spurt, becomes a gigantic dog and attracts the attention of a genetics company, Emily and her Uncle Casey (Jack Whitehall) have to fight the forces of greed as they go on the run across New York City. Along the way, Clifford affects the lives of everyone around him and teaches Emily and her uncle the true meaning of acceptance and unconditional love.
Cast
- Darby Camp as Emily Elizabeth
- David Alan Grier as the voice of Clifford
- Jack Whitehall as Uncle Casey
- Izaac Wang as Owen Yu
- John Cleese as Mr. Bridwell
- Sienna Guillory
- Kenan Thompson
- Rosie Perez
Production
Development
In May 2012, it was reported that Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment would produce a live-action/animated film based on the book. Matt Lopez was hired to write the script while Chris Meledandri and Deborah Forte were to produce,[2] but in July 2013, it was reported that Illumination cancelled the project.[3] On September 13, 2013, it was reported that the film was still in development at Universal Pictures with David Bowers in talks to direct the film.[4] Like the 2011 film Hop, the titular dog character will be animated while the other characters will be live-action.[4]
In 2016, Paramount Pictures had purchased the rights to develop a live-action and animated hybrid film.[5] On September 25, 2017, it was reported that Walt Becker had been hired to direct from a script being re-written by Ellen Rapoport, and from the original written by Justin Malen, which would be produced by Forte through her Silvertongue Films banner.[6]
On December 25, 2019, the photo of the film was leaked, revealing the computer-generated form of Clifford in the live-action scenery.[7][8]
Casting
In May 2019, Darby Camp and Jack Whitehall signed on to star in the film.[9] In June 2019, John Cleese, Sienna Guillory, Izaac Wang, Kenan Thompson, Rosie Perez, David Alan Grier, Keith Ewell, Bear Allen Blaine, and Lynn Cohen joined the cast.[10][11]
Filming
Principal photography began in July 2019 in New York City.[12][13][14]
Release
Clifford the Big Red Dog is scheduled for release on November 13, 2020, by Paramount Pictures.[15] Universal Pictures initially slated the film for April 8, 2016 and then pushed back to December 31, 2016.[16][17]
Adaptations
Comic writer Georgia Ball and illustrator Chi Ngo adapted the film into a graphic novel entitled Clifford the Big Red Dog: The Movie Graphic Novel, which will be published on October 6, 2020, one month before the film's release.[18]
References
- "Dylan O'Brien's 'Monster Problems,' 'Clifford' Backed by Paramount, eOne". Variety. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
- Kit, Borys (May 8, 2012). "Illumination and Universal Adapting 'Clifford the Big Red Dog' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 9, 2012.
- Debruge, Peter (July 17, 2013). "Illumination Chief Chris Meledandri Lines Up Originals for Universal". Variety. Retrieved July 18, 2013.
At the same time, Illumination has scrapped a number of planned movie ideas. Waldo and a Tim Burton-helmed, stop-motion The Addams Family are dead. The company abandoned a Woody Woodpecker pic, and couldn’t crack Clifford the Big Red Dog.
- Shaw, Lucas (September 13, 2013). "David Bowers in Talks to Direct 'Clifford the Big Red Dog'; Illumination Drops Off (Exclusive)". The Wrap. Retrieved September 14, 2013.
- ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ Movie Moves to Paramount
- Kit, Borys (September 25, 2017). "'Clifford the Big Red Dog' Nabs 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' Director (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 27, 2017.
- "Clifford the Big Red Dog Live-Action Movie First Look Leaks". ComicBook. December 25, 2019.
- "First Look at Live Action Adaptation of CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG". BroadwayWorld. January 5, 2020.
- Jack Whitehall, 'Big Little Lies' Actress to Star in 'Clifford, the Big Red Dog' Adaptation (Exclusive)
- John Cleese, Sienna Guillory Join 'Clifford, the Big Red Dog' Movie (Exclusive)
- Kenan Thompson, Rosie Perez Join 'Clifford the Big Red Dog' Movie (Exclusive)
- Bittle, Jake (July 17, 2019). "Clifford the Big Red Dog is coming to Brooklyn — but can he fit?". Brooklyn Eagle. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
- Davis, Brandon (August 13, 2019). "Terrifying Photos From Clifford The Big Red Dog Set Surface Online". Comic Book. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
- "Casting Call in NYC for "Clifford" Movie | Auditions Free". Auditions Free. July 12, 2019. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
- 'Clifford the Big Red Dog' Movie Lands November 2020 Release Date
- "The Clifford the Big Red Dog Movie is Coming in 2016". ComingSoon.net. August 1, 2014. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
- Lesnick, Silas (March 10, 2015). "Universal Teams with Scholastic Inc. for Future Projects". ComingSoon.net. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
- "'Clifford the Big Red Dog: The Movie Graphic Novel' by Georgia Ball". Goodreads. June 11, 2020.