‘Rock Dog’ Gets U.S. Release Date, New American Trailer

Directed by Toy Story 2 co-director Ash Brannon, the film was touted as an attempt by Chinese producers to create a culturally-Chinese animated film that would appeal to a worldwide audience. To increase its chances for success in the global marketplace, the film’s original production language was English with a cast that includes J.K. Simmons, Luke Wilson, Eddie Izzard, Matt Dillon, Sam Elliot, Lewis Black, and Kenan Thompson.

But things haven’t exactly gone according to plan. Chinese distributor Huayi Brothers launched Rock Dog last July in China amidst allegations of corporate sabotage by a rival Chinese film company, which resulted in limited screenings of the film throughout the country.

The film flopped in China grossing US$5.7 million, while the simultaneous launch of the hand-drawn feature Big Fish & Begonia garnered $85 million throughout its run.

In the U.S., Rock Dog will open one week after Warner Bros.’ The LEGO Batman Movie.