Ahead of AFM, Viva Kids has acquired the animated film, Charlie the Wonderdog, starring Owen Wilson, slated for wide theatrical release in North America January 16, 2026. When Danny’s family dog discovers he has superpowers, Charlie sets out to fulfill his destiny and protect the people he loves—only to learn that real heroism comes from courage, kindness, and believing in yourself.
This heartfelt animated film follows Charlie (Wilson), a beloved family dog, who is mysteriously abducted by aliens and gifted true superpowers where he emerges as Charlie the Wonderdog, the greatest superhero the world has ever seen. The film explores universal themes of friendship, loyalty, resilience, power and responsibility.
Said Victor Elizalde, CEO of Viva Kids, “Charlie the Wonderdog is everything we look for in a family film: heart, humor, and a universal message about courage and connection. Icon Creative has created something both uplifting and cinematic, and Owen Wilson brings an incredible warmth and wit to Charlie that audiences will instantly fall in love with. We’re thrilled to bring this film to theaters and can’t wait for families to meet their new favorite superhero dog.”
ICON Creative CEO, Shea Wageman added, “We’re extremely excited to have Viva releasing Charlie in the US. Their marketing innovations, enthusiasm, and wide reach is exactly what ‘Charlie’ needs to reach family audiences in the theatre and eventually at home. We’re excited for Viva to bring this film to theatres on January 16th.”
The deal was negotiated by Victor Elizalde for Viva Pictures and Shea Wageman & Carson Loveday for ICON Creative.
Charlie the Wonderdog (95 minutes) is produced by Canadian based production company ICON Creative Studios. Charlie the Wonderdog was directed, written, and produced by Shea Wageman, written by Raul Inglis and Steve Ball, Production Designed by Geoff Taylor, Original Score by Petteri Sainio. with original music by Bryan Adams, produced by Jennifer Rogan and Carson Loveday, and executive produced by Michael Balfry, Carson Loveday, and Bahar Dehghanian.
A Disney blooded, crafty, fun-lovin’ wife/mom/organizer/planner, etc who is obsessed with all things Disney 🙂 Maria grew up with the Magic Kingdom and has loved watching WDW evolve into what it is today. A firm believer in the Power of Pixie Dust, she is the owner of The Disney Driven Life – A Community for Neurotic Disney People & a d.i.y. crafty blog, Carousel of Projects – create~inspire~share.
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