In case you were wondering, Uggie is not the only canine in town. Red Dog's Koko could be the next pup to get the big trailer and giant T-bone treatment. The Kelpie crossbreed is the true-life star of the Australian family drama that's been adapted from the pages of Louis de Bernières' novella, and having won the hearts of Aussie filmgoers, he's heading this way with tail'a'waggling.
**Red Dog **was a legend in the Pilbara region of West Australia during the 1970s, especially the town of Dampier. Loyal and much loved by the locals, he was even given his own bank account, although how he used the ATM is anyone's guess.
In this clip from the film, Josh Lucas, last seen as J. Edgar's Charles Lindbergh, proves that beneath that growly exterior lies a big old softy. He witnesses Red Dog being exploited for sport and isn't afraid to beat to a pulp the people doing the exploiting. OK, so not *that *much of a softy.
We're thinking that Lucas, an American trucker called John Grant, and the companionable canine become firm friends soon after. The film, already out and well-received Down Under, sticks loyally to the story the real Red Dog, so if you're still recovering from War Horse, steel yourself for lots more emotionality.
Josh Lucas, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Noah Taylor, Rachael Taylor complete the cast. Red Dog is out in the UK on February 24.