In 1963, Clifford the Big Red Dog debuted, thanks to author Norman Bridwell. The story about the titular pet and his owner, Emily Elizabeth, inspired children's stories for decades, leading to the 2000 animated adaptation, which aired on PBS. Its influence and popularity continue today, with 2021's Clifford movie in theaters and on Paramount+.
2021's Clifford the Big Red Dog is an origin story for Emily Elizabeth (Darby Camp) and Clifford. In the new film, Emily Elizabeth meets Clifford after transferring to a private school where she suffers from bullying. Many others accompany them on their first adventure together, including her Uncle Casey (Jack Whitehall). In honor of the film's release, CBR sat with Whitehall and Camp to discuss this new family film.
CBR: We see both of your characters grow so much together. What was it like working together on this project and fleshing out this relationship between the two of you?
Darby Camp: It definitely was a lot of fun. We formed a little Clifford family. Meeting Mr. Jack for the first time, I remember the table read was super cool. We made fast friends, especially my parents, as well. Fast friends. We also shared love for One Direction, which definitely helped our relationship and kind of made us more like buddies on screen. It was just super fun all around, and I had a great time.
Jack Whitehall: It was an amazing experience, and we really did form a real Clifford family. That tone was dictated by our director, Walt Becker, who was an absolute joy to work for, and Jordan Kerner, our producer, who was like a father figure to all of us. The whole cast and crew of this movie got on so well and really wanted to make the best version of this movie that we could, and we were all a big team on that journey.
Speaking about Clifford, what were some of the most challenging or exciting things for both of you when it came to acting against Clifford, especially considering the larger-than-life special effects needed to bring him to life?
Camp: I think the most challenging thing for me would have been when Clifford was a puppy and having to hold a little beanbag and pretend there's a puppy in front of me that was doing all of these tricks and things like that when there wasn't anything there. I think that was the most challenging part, but it turned out great, which I'm super proud of and excited for people to see. Even working with 10-foot Clifford was a challenge, but a little bit easier since the puppet was a little bit more accurate than a little beanbag.
Whitehall: For me, I'd done some work with CGI animals before -- Jungle Cruise for about three months. Most of my scenes had been with Proxima, the jaguar, which was played by a stunt performer crawling around on all fours jaguar skin leotard, so most of my acting in that movie had been playing opposite him. When I came to Clifford, I already had some experience, and by the end of it, I felt like I'm now Hollywood's go-to guy for working with CGI animals.
We've seen Clifford illustrated and animated before. What do you think live-action adds to Clifford the character, as well as the story overall?
Camp: I think the live-action really emphasizes how huge Clifford is, how special he is, and his relationship with Emily, as well. I think the live-action really adds to that, and also getting to see it on the big screen in the movie theater is just so special. I've seen it at home and at the theaters, and I think the theater adds to it and makes it more magical.
Whitehall: I think seeing Clifford rendered in ultra-real CGI also adds this dynamic to the movie that gives it the emotional core that it has. You're really invested in Emily Elizabeth's and Clifford's relationship, and there are some scenes that really pull at the heartstrings. I think that's only possible because it's on the big screen, and it's done in live-action.
Wrapping this up, what do you both hope viewers take away from Clifford?
Camp: I really hope that our viewers of any age take away how important it is to love one another and accept others for their differences and to even accept yourself. We see how bullying impacts Emily, so I hope that kids can see that, learn from that, and know that they're not alone, and know how little things go a long way with younger kids, just accept yourself and accept others.
Whitehall: Love big, that's the hashtag of the movie. I definitely think that when people see this film, they'll leave the cinema with a warm glow and a sense that a little bit of kindness can go a long way.