Upcoming Dog Stars

There are three huge-budget feature films about dogs coming to theaters this year—all involve talking dogs and two are sequels to previously big dog films.

The first is Marmaduke, coming out in June, based on the classic newspaper comic by Brad Anderson, and following the misadventures of a Great Dane and his family. Though it was originally under consideration to have the dog be fully CGI, such as the Scooby-Doo films, Marmaduke is played by a very real fawn Great Dane in the film. His voice is provided, with CGI aid, by Owen Wilson.

Next is Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore, coming out in July. This sequel to 2001's Cats & Dogs again features an Anatolian Shepherd, Chinese Crested, Bloodhound, and other returning breeds, but the main canine hero, formerly a Beagle, has been replaced by a German Shepherd Dog.

The release date has yet to be set for Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2, which is still filming. Some of the original canine cast returns, including Angel and Samson, as Disney puts together yet another enormously ambitious animal film.