Jennifer Hudson, Fortune Feimster and Jameela Jamil lend their voices to dinosaur-loving characters in “Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie,” which opens in Philippine cinemas on Aug. 26.
Directed by Cal Brunker, who returns to the “Paw Patrol” film franchise, the movie follows the characters as they encounter dinosaurs on Dino Island.
Brunker said working on the film gave him the opportunity to learn more about dinosaurs, including how they moved.
“We all love dinosaurs,” Brunker said. “But animating dinosaurs is not easy! We wanted our dinosaurs to move in a way that felt authentic, believable and realistic, pulling everyone even deeper inside the story. So one of the coolest things about making this movie was talking to real dinosaur experts to learn exactly how the bones and muscles fit together.”
Hudson voices Lilian Ledes, a dinosaur-loving reporter who travels to Dino Island to cover what she considers the biggest story of her career. Her reporting takes an unexpected turn when she ends up on top of a dinosaur and needs the Paw Patrol’s help.
Hudson said being part of the franchise was meaningful to her, noting that her 16-year-old son continues to enjoy the series.
“It is beyond a dream to be a part of the Paw Patrol,” Hudson said. “You didn’t have a childhood unless you grew up watching Paw Patrol! My son did. He is 16, and he is still in love with it to this day.”
Hudson also pointed to the lessons she sees in the franchise.
“It is an inspiring story because it has so many heroes in it, and everyone has a superpower,” she said. “It teaches kids that they have one, too, and there’s always an answer and a solution by the time you get to the end.”
Feimster voices Eugenia Bunsen, while Jamil voices Heidi Pothesis. Both characters travel to the island to study its dinosaurs.
“I’m so pumped to be in Paw Patrol,” Feimster said. “It’s one of those films that is for everybody. It’s such a feel-good movie, and I’m finally a hit with my nephews! It is something they can watch and tell their friends about.”
Feimster also said she was struck by the resemblance between her voice and the appearance of her animated character.
Jamil, who also appeared in “Elio” and “The Good Place,” said her interest in dogs contributed to her decision to join the film.
“It’s so cool to be part of Paw Patrol, partially because I’m obsessed with dogs,” Jamil said. “Dogs are the best, and dogs are genuine heroes!”
Jamil also said the film’s group dynamic offers a lesson about cooperation.
“Kids feel seen, and they feel as though they can see themselves in these really fun adventures,” she said. “They’re saving people as a group, and so it’s not about ego, and there’s not one superstar. Everyone has their own moment at their own separate time.”
“Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie” opens in Philippine cinemas on Aug. 26.
