New 'Rock Dog' Trailer Arrives

Adapted from a graphic novel by Chinese rockstar Zheng Jun and entirely funded by Chinese companies, Rock Dog is China's most expensive animated movie ever. Unfortunately, this didn't stop the movie from flopping when it opened in China in Summer 2016, but will it fare better with English speaking audiences?

The Chinese-American production was animated by Reel FX (best known for The Book Of Life) and directed by Ash Brannon (co-director of Toy Story 2 and Surf's Up). The story follows a Tibetan Mastiff named Bodi who dreams of making it as a rock star.

While the trailer suggests that this isn't probably going to take Zootopia's crown, it's not exactly looking like the next Norm Of The North either. The animation is looking pretty charming and there are some decent gags, most of which seem to come from Bodi's British manager Angus Scattergood, voiced by the hilarious Eddie Izzard.

Bodi himself is played by Luke Wilson, and the cast also features J.K. Simmons, Mae Whitman and Jorge Garcia. Best of all though, Sam Elliot will apparently play a character called Fleetwood Yak.

Lionsgate will release Rock Dog in US Cinemas on February 24th 2017.