How a 1960s cartoon beagle became a live-action superhero in a 2007 box-office bomb
In short: The 2007 film Underdog reimagined a classic animated spoof of Superman as a realistic beagle with superpowers. Directed by Frederik Du Chau, the project aimed to modernize a nostalgic property for a new generation, yet it ultimately struggled to capture critical favor despite a star-studded cast and a significant production budget.
The journey to the big screen began in June 2002, when Spyglass Entertainment acquired the rights from Classic Media for over $2 million, intending to develop a live-action adaptation for Walt Disney Pictures. By June 2005, negotiations were finalizing, and production was slated for Canada. Frederik Du Chau was confirmed as the director by August 2005, tasked with translating the 1960s animated series into a feature film.
Unlike the original cartoon, which featured an anthropomorphic hero, the 2007 film portrays its protagonist as a realistic dog. The narrative follows a beagle from a police bomb squad who, after being rejected and abducted by the mad scientist Simon Barsinister, gains superpowers through a chemical accident. Voiced by Jason Lee, the dog adopts the persona of Underdog, complete with a red sweater and blue cape, to protect Capital City from his archenemy. The cast included notable names such as Peter Dinklage as Barsinister, Jim Belushi as Dan Unger, and Amy Adams as the voice of Polly Purebred.
When the film premiered on August 3, 2007, it opened in 3,013 theaters across the United States. Despite an opening weekend haul of $11,585,121, the film faced harsh criticism. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 14% approval rating, citing a reliance on recycled material. While audiences polled by CinemaScore were more generous with an A- grade, the film's financial performance was underwhelming. With a production budget of $25 million, it grossed $43.8 million domestically and $21.5 million internationally, totaling $65.3 million worldwide. By the time it closed on December 13, 2007, it was widely considered a box-office disappointment, marking a difficult transition for the beloved animated character into the realm of modern live-action cinema.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Underdog (2007 film)
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