As February begins, the box office is still feeling the effects of a strong January, thanks in part to holdovers from December and a few standout new releases. Among them, Dog Man made an impressive debut, earning $36 million in its opening weekend. This puts it among the top 10 January openings of all time, surpassing The Devil Inside and The Green Hornet. While it didn’t quite reach the heights of Kung Fu Panda 3’s $41.2 million opening, the animated hybrid based on Dav Pilkey’s beloved graphic novel series is off to a promising start.
The film brings to life the quirky and imaginative world of Dog Man, a half-dog, half-man supercop created in a bizarre surgical mishap. Told in Pilkey’s signature hand-drawn Sharpie style, the movie follows Dog Man as he faces off against his arch-nemesis, Petey the cat, who is voiced hilariously by Pete Davidson. While Dog Man communicates only through woofs, Petey’s sarcastic wit and personal struggles make him a standout character. The film balances wacky humor with a heartfelt story, appealing to both kids and nostalgic adults who grew up with Pilkey’s books.
Director Peter Hastings, known for his work on The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants and Animaniacs, brings energy and charm to the adaptation. The voice cast, including Lil Rel Howery and Isla Fisher, adds to the film’s appeal. With its bright animation, fast-paced action, and lighthearted comedy, Dog Man is the perfect choice for families looking for an entertaining winter movie. Its strong opening suggests it could be one of the rare January releases to cross the $100 million mark at the box office.
For many, Dog Man is more than just another animated film—it’s a gateway into the world of comics and superheroes. Whether it’s a child discovering their first graphic novel or an adult passing down their love for comic book storytelling, the film captures the joy of imaginative adventures. As Dog Man continues its box office run, it’s clear that audiences are embracing this fun and unique take on the superhero genre, making it a great start to the movie year.
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