Yahoo Finance Clifford the Big Red Dog film teaser unnerves fans with a dog that’s ‘too realistic’
The first teaser for the live-action Clifford the Big Red Dog film has been released, sparking a mixed reaction from viewers.
Based on Norman Birdwell’s popular series of children’s books, Clifford’s cast includes Jack Whitehall, Kenan Thompson, Rosie Perez and John Cleese.
The short promo footage features a line-up of conventionally coloured, regular-size dogs, sitting alongside Clifford.
However, the appearance of Clifford has caused surprise and consternation among many viewers, with the dog – which many have interpreted as a real dog that has been tinted red with CGI – drawing comparisons to infamous CGI misfires from other films.
One Twitter user compared the image of Clifford to Will Smith’s blue-skinned genie from Aladdin, and Taylor Swift’s unnerving feline in Cats.
clifford is already drenched in the blood of his enemies and he isn't finished. pic.twitter.com/pb4TWe22KV
— a sinkhole of rats (@Kathriller) November 25, 2020
Everyone: “Wow I can’t wait to see what the live action Clifford The Big Red Dog looks like!”
Clifford: *Looks like Big Red Dog*
Everyone: pic.twitter.com/jKEbPg5eOu— Zach•BLM (@og_starr) November 25, 2020
First impressions are important pic.twitter.com/wMz8NQWNSH
— Jayden Marvel (@GemBiscuits) November 25, 2020
“Clifford may be the movie that kills realistic portrayals of cartoon characters,” wrote one person.
“You know how you fixed Sonic, Paramount – you might want to do the same here,” wrote another.
“That dog looks uncomfortable,” wrote someone else. “I would rather see a 2D version of the film.”
It’s here: your very first look at Clifford The Big Red Dog! #CliffordMovie hits theatres next year, but today we’re celebrating the pets who inspire us to #LoveBig. 🐾 ❤️ Share a pic of your favorite pet to help us spread the love! pic.twitter.com/CGRn8M8QYL
— Clifford Movie (@CliffordMovie) November 25, 2020
“My kid would be the audience for this I guess,” wrote one parent, “but she gets freaked out when Daniel Tiger holds one of the word bubbles in a book, a realistic Clifford would be too much, too much.”
Others, however, were more positive, with one person arguing: “not sure why people are hating on this. He looks like an adorable red dog?”
The film will be released in 2021.
