Three delightful performers have been enlisted for Danny LeGare’s upcoming film! The Cinemaholic confirms that Eric Roberts, Dan Lauria, and Robert Ri’chard will take leading roles in the coming-of-age comedy titled ‘Not My Dog.’ Filming is scheduled to commence in Hartford, Connecticut, on February 14, 2025, and is expected to wrap up by March 14, 2025.
Ri’chard will also serve as a co-producer for the project, which stars Rylie Pennington. Additional cast members include Sal Rendino, Hailey Olints, and Christian Miclette, with LeGare writing the screenplay.
The storyline centers on Bridget (Pennington), a bright 12-year-old girl who prefers the safety of her routine to the chaos of the outside world. When her mother sends her on an errand, Bridget unexpectedly befriends a stray dog she names Nudge.
Unable to shake him off, she embarks on a winding journey through her town, encountering various individuals grappling with their own difficulties. As she interacts with these townsfolk, Bridget begins to develop her understanding of the intricate concepts of friendship, loyalty, and responsibility.
As the story comes in play, Nudge becomes the target of ridicule from the townspeople. Bridget faces the challenge of deciding whether her reasons for wanting to distance herself from Nudge are justified or if her hesitations stem from deeper issues.
Throughout her journey, she experiences the joys of childhood and adolescence while learning about her responsibilities and contemplating the importance of her unexpected friendship with Nudge.
Known for his dramatic roles, Roberts boasts impressive versatility, having portrayed characters like James Munroe in the 2010 action thriller ‘The Expendables’ and Buck in the acclaimed thriller ‘Runaway Train,’ which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
One of his most famous performances was as the mob boss Maroni in Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Dark Knight.’ His extensive filmography also includes roles in Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘Inherent Vice,’ Bob Fosse’s biographical drama ‘Star 80,’ and Frank Pierson’s ‘King of the Gypsies.’
Lauria brings comedic experience, best known for playing Jack Arnold, Kevin’s father, in ABC’s beloved series ‘The Wonder Years.’ He has also portrayed Phil Coldshank in the buddy cop comedy ‘Stakeout’ and appeared as Wally in the holiday film ‘Holidate.’ More recently, he took on the role of Democratic Party politician Tip O’Neill in Sean McNamara’s biographical drama ‘Reagan.’
Critically acclaimed for his performances, Ri’chard is recognized for his roles as Damien Carter in the sports drama ‘Coach Carter’ and Arnaz Leroy Ballard in UPN’s sitcom ‘One on One.’
He has also appeared in shows like ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ ‘The Rich & the Ruthless,’ and ‘Empire.’ Most recently, he portrayed Nile in the second season of BET+’s ‘Haus of Vicious.’
A multifaceted writer, director, and producer, LeGare has worked on projects like the thriller ‘Finders Keepers’ and ‘House Rules for Bad Girls,’ which marked his debut in feature-length filmmaking.
He began his directing journey with the short film ‘Even If’ in 2007 and his latest feature is the family drama ‘Spirit of Friendship.’