The vibes are immaculate for the upcoming adaptation of the Chilean cult classic Dog Legs (Patas de perro). In a major move coming out of the San Sebastian Festival, producer David Matamoros of Doce Entertainment—the legend behind The Platform—has officially joined the project. He’s teaming up with a powerhouse international squad of producers from Chile, France, Germany, and Colombia to bring this story to life.
The plot thickens
Based on the 1965 landmark novel, the story is highkey intense. It follows a 12-year-old boy named Bobi, born with actual dog’s paws, who is kept hidden by his family until he’s taken in by a lonely man named Carlos. Their bond triggers a town-wide meltdown, turning Carlos into a social outcast and Bobi into a monster in the eyes of the public. Real talk: the themes of exclusion and violence are just as unsettling today as they were sixty years ago.
What to expect
Production is slated to hit Valdivia, Chile, in the second half of next year. The film has major main character energy, with the iconic Alfredo Castro attached to star. Plus, the visual effects are in good hands with the French studio MPC, known for their work on The Animal Kingdom.
"Spain’s involvement decisively strengthens the project and puts us in a very strong position to complete its financing," said Colombian producer Federico Durán. The project is clearly an ambitious one, but the team is aiming to make sure it hits home with a broad audience.
Why it matters
This adaptation is a massive creative undertaking that bridges international talent to bring a radical piece of Chilean literary history to the big screen, proving that some stories stay rent-free in our heads for decades.
