How Channing Tatum’s Late Dog Lulu Inspired His New Movie

Identified for recognized his performing in live-action and animated movies, Channing Tatum is exploring a brand new position behind the digital camera. The actor makes his directorial debut within the upcoming buddy-comedy movie “Canine,” which depicts an unlikely friendship between a former military ranger and a army canine named Lulu.

Tatum, a fierce animal lover, shares a particular bond together with his onscreen canine costar, Lulu, main followers to marvel if the film is predicated on a real story. Whereas some points of “Canine” are impressed by parts from Tatum’s life, it isn’t totally based mostly on actual occasions.

What Is “Canine” About?

The movie facilities on former US Military Ranger Briggs (Tatum), who’s tasked with the tough accountability of bringing Lulu, a army Belgian malinois, to the funeral of Lulu’s former handler, Sergeant Rodriguez. Briggs takes on the job to earn again the respect of his higher-ups and reintegrate into the military, and the pair initially do not get alongside. Alongside the best way, nonetheless, Briggs and Lulu develop a particular friendship and be taught necessary classes from each other.

Is “Canine” Based mostly on a True Story?

Whereas it isn’t totally based mostly on a real story, parts of “Canine” are impressed by Tatum’s life. Lulu, the Belgian malinois within the movie, is known as after Tatum’s beloved late canine. Lulu, a pitbull-catahoula combine, made her approach to Tatum and his ex-wife Jenna Dewan from a canine pound in Alabama, per Individuals. After she died from most cancers in December 2018, Tatum posted on Instagram, “I am going to see you once more child lady. However you will at all times be with me. At all times.” Try an image of Lulu circa 2013 beneath.

What Is the Inspiration Behind “Canine”?

Whereas “Canine” is not based mostly on actual occasions, it is clear that Lulu’s passing impressed Tatum to make the movie. Based on Deadline, talks of the movie and its manufacturing began as early as November 2019, practically one 12 months after Tatum misplaced Lulu. Tatus codirects the movie with Reid Carolin, the screenwriter behind “Magic Mike,” “Magic Mike XXL,” and “Magic Mike’s Final Dance”, additionally starring Tatum. The movie started manufacturing in early 2020, with Tatum sharing the information through Twitter and pay homage to Lulu. The actor wrote in a heartfelt submit, “A little bit over a 12 months in the past I obtained again from a street journey the place I stated goodbye to my greatest buddy. Now I am making a film impressed by her.”

A little bit over a 12 months in the past I obtained again from a street journey the place I stated goodbye to my greatest buddy. Now I’m making a film impressed by her. So proud to announce that DOG will likely be launched by @MGM_Studios and in theaters subsequent Valentine’s Day weekend. pic.twitter.com/JXDqEy85JZ

— Channing Tatum (@channingtatum) March 2, 2020

From the appears to be like of the trailer — and realizing Tatum’s private connection to the movie — “Canine” will certainly tug at our heartstrings and go away us laughing and crying on the similar time. Catch “Canine” in theaters on Feb. 18, 2022, and watch the trailer beneath.