New Clifford the Big Red Dog Movie Gets First Trailer

Paramount Pictures has released the first official trailer for the upcoming live-action Clifford movie, an adaptation of the classic book series. Fans have previously been teased with the size of the titular Big Red Dog a couple of times, first in the form of surprise set photos with their monstrous stand-in and second in an official teaser from the studio, but now we've got a better idea of what the film itself will be about when it premieres. Directed by Walt Becker, Clifford the Big Red Dog will draw inspiration from the Norman Bridwell books of the same name which follow a giant dog and his owner Emily Elizabeth.

The new movie will see Emily (Big Little Lies' Darby Camp) struggling to fit in both at home and at school. That all chances when she finds a small red puppy who she believes is destined to become her best friend. What she doesn't see coming, however, is Clifford's massive growth spurt, taking the little red pup and turning him into an enormous canine. The sudden change attracts the attention of a genetics company, forcing Emily and her Uncle Casey (Good Omens' Jack Whitehall) to go on the run with Clifford through New York City. Comedian David Alan Grier stars in the film.

Other cast members set to appear in the film include Izaac Wang, John Cleese, Paul Rodriguez, Tony Hale, Russell Peters. Sienna Guillory, Kenan Thompson, and Rosie Perez.

Clifford the Big Red Dog has a screenplay written by Jay Scherick & David Ronn and Annie Mumolo & Stan Chervin, shot on location over the summer. Jordan Kerner and Scholastic Entertainment's Iole Lucchese are producing.

Norman Bridwell created the character of Clifford in 1963 and went on to write and illustrate more than 150 titles, all published by Scholastic, with 129 million books in print in 13 languages. Clifford's upcoming movie is just the latest offering set to bring the classic character to life for a new audience. Amazon Prime and PBS Kids are also developing a new television series based on the property.

"There is something enduring in Clifford's gentle, loyal spirit that touches fans even after they become adults," series executive producer Iole Lucchese, said in previously released statement. "We see it in tributes on social media and in fan art, and of course, in every parent who grew up with Clifford and now shares their love of him with their preschoolers."

Clifford the Big Red Dog arrives in theaters on September 17, 2021