In Honor of National Dog Week, DreamWorks Studios in association with Walden Media celebrate the many purposes of our canine friends with a sneak peek from the set of their latest film, “A Dog’s Purpose.” Look for the movie in theaters next year.
Walden Media, producer of such hit films as “The Chronicles of Narnia” series, “Bridge to Terabithia,” “Charlotte’s Web,” and the “Journey to the Center of the Earth” series, will co-finance and co-produce DreamWorks Studios’ upcoming film “A Dog’s Purpose.” Based on the best-selling novel, “A Dog’s Purpose” is an inspirational story of one devoted dog finding his purpose in the lives of the humans he loves.
Dennis Quaid (“Far From Heaven,” “The Rookie”), Britt Robertson (“Tomorrowland,” “Delivery Man”), K.J. Apa (“Shortland Street”), Juliet Rylance (“The Knick,” “Frances Ha”) and Peggy Lipton (“Mod Squad,” “Twin Peaks”) join the film, which is being directed by Academy Award nominated director Lasse Hallstrom (“The Hundred-Foot Journey,” “Chocolat”). Based on the beloved book by W. Bruce Cameron, the screenplay was written by Cameron & Cathryn Michon and Audrey Wells. Gavin Polone is producing with Alan Blomquist and Mark Sourian serving as executive producers. Production on the canine tale begins this month in Winnipeg, Canada, where its variety of locations afford the filmmakers the opportunity to tell this multi-generational story.
“This heartwarming and humorous tale is a great addition to our quality storytelling brand,” said Michael Wright, CEO of DreamWorks Studios. “Together with our partners at Walden, we believe that with Lasse Hallstrom directing, ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ will find its way into the hearts of families everywhere.”
“We are proud to once again partner with the great team at DreamWorks on ‘A Dog’s Purpose,’ a heartfelt and uplifting story that is in great hands with Lasse Hallstrom directing,” said Frank Smith, President and CEO of Walden Media. “This film is a perfect addition as we continue to build and diversify our slate and bring audiences movies that inspire and entertain.”
“Walden Media is the perfect partner for this very special story, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have them on board,” said Jeff Small, President and COO of DreamWorks Studios.
Published by Forge Books, “A Dog’s Purpose” spent 52 weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers list. It has been translated into 20 languages and is published in 29 different countries worldwide.
“A Dog’s Purpose” joins Walden Media’s growing slate, which includes a diverse range of films that every member of a family can enjoy. Other upcoming projects include Universal Pictures’ dramatic adventure/thriller “Everest” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Brolin, Jason Clarke, Keira Knightley, John Hawkes, Sam Worthington, Emily Watson and Robin Wright (September 18, 2015) and “The BFG” directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Roald Dahl’s beloved novel (July 1, 2016).