Netflix’s Benji unleashes a full trailer
David Farnor | On 14, Feb 2018
Just in time for half-term, Netflix has unleashed the full trailer for its new family film, Benji.
Yes, everyone’s favourite (well, everyone in the US) pawsome hero is returning to prove to the world that with love and determination in his heart, no obstacle is too big.
A fictional characer created back in the 1970s by Joe Camp, the loveable dog has been the star of a number of movies over the years, from 1974’s Benji and 1978’s Benji’s Very Own Christmas Story to 2001’s Benji’s Film Festival. Today, canine cinema hasn’t gone out of fashion, with films such as Haji to Marley and Me keeping supermarket supplies of tissues low, as the tear-jerking weepies tug on viewers’ heart strings. Now, Netflix is getting in on the game, with a $10 million deal for the right to make more Benji movies – in partnership with Blumhouse.
A modern day retelling, the story of Benji follows one orphaned puppy and Carter and Frankie, two capricious New Orleans school kids, who strike up a friendship with the tenacious street dog. When danger befalls them and they end up kidnapped by robbers who are in over their heads, Benji and his scruffy sidekick come to the rescue.
“Bad guys don’t stand a chance,” promises Netflix. Awww.
Benji bounds onto Netflix on Friday 16th March. Here’s the full trailer:
Benji is available on Netflix UK, as part of an £9.99 monthly subscription.
Trailer: Netflix and Blumhouse bring back Benji
6th February 2018
Netflix is bringing back Benji to our screens this spring.
A fictional characer created back in the 1970s by Joe Camp, the loveable dog has been the star of a number of movies over the years, from 1974’s Benji and 1978’s Benji’s Very Own Christmas Story to 2001’s Benji’s Film Festival. Today, canine cinema hasn’t gone out of fashion, with films such as Haji to Marley and Me keeping supermarket supplies of tissues low, as the tear-jerking weepies tug on viewers’ heart strings.
As Netflix faces the end of its deal with Disney in the US, the streaming giant is doubling down on its production of original family movies. A dog franchise familiar with US audiences, then, is a natural fit for the site. And so Netflix is bringing back Benji one more time, teaming up with none other than Blumhouse Productions to do it.
The film won’t be a horror movie, which is what Blumhouse has made its name with over recent years, but Blum’s promise to the Camp estate to let them make a Benji film they wanted to make helped seal the deal. Blumhouse produced the movie for $6 million, with Netflix stumping up more than $10 million for the rights. Blumhouse is no doubt hoping for similar success to its cannily placed horror titles: the deal includes the option partner on sequels or even TV shows.
A modern day retelling, the story of Benji follows one orphaned puppy and Carter and Frankie, two capricious New Orleans school kids, who strike up a friendship with the tenacious street dog. When danger befalls them and they end up kidnapped by robbers who are in over their heads, Benji and his scruffy sidekick come to the rescue.
The film premieres on Netflix on Friday 16th March. Here’s a trailer: