Last Saturday, we attended the red carpet premiere of Charlie the Wonderdog, a heartfelt animated feature that blends superhero spectacle with themes of friendship, imagination, and loss.
The night carried a warm, family-friendly energy, anchored by the presence of Owen Wilson, who voices the film’s titular hero.
About the Film
The story centers on Danny, a shy young boy voiced by Dawson Littman, who imagines a rich superhero world starring himself and his best friend. When Charlie disappears, Danny watches from a distance as his dog transforms into Wonderdog—celebrated by the media, embraced by fans, and even exploited by powerful figures, including the President.
As Charlie’s fame grows, the film sharpens its emotional focus on separation. Danny isn’t just cheering for a hero; he’s mourning the loss of his closest companion. That emotional gap grounds the film’s larger-than-life action in something personal and relatable, especially for younger audiences.
Not everyone welcomes Wonderdog’s rise. Puddy, the devilishly clever cat next door voiced by Ruairi MacDonald, harbors powers of his own and plenty of resentment. Alongside a mischievous feline gang, Puddy plots to dethrone Wonderdog and flip the natural order—placing cats firmly at the top of the food chain. The conflict takes a surprisingly emotional turn when Charlie falls from grace, faces home arrest, and spirals into depression. From there, the story shifts into a redemption arc that pushes both Charlie and Danny to rediscover what truly matters.
Cast and Crew
Shea Wageman directs the film and co-writes it with Steve Ball, striking a balance between playful chaos and sincere emotion. The voice cast also includes Tabitha St. Germain as President Rose, Zac Bennett-McPhee as Otis, and Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez as the Alien Prince, rounding out a lively ensemble.
Behind the scenes, ICON Creative Studio produces Charlie the Wonderdog. As Canada’s largest independently owned CG animation studio, ICON brings polished animation and expressive character design to the project, supported by Viva Kids, a distributor with a strong track record in family-focused films.
Red Carpet Highlights
The red carpet reflected the spirit of the movie—lighthearted, welcoming, and geared toward families. Owen Wilson’s arrival drew smiles and excitement, reinforcing the approachable tone that defines the film itself.
Charlie the Wonderdog opens January 16, 2025, exclusively in theaters. For families looking for a colorful adventure filled with heart, humor, and a superhero dog at its center, this film sets out to deliver exactly that.
