VIVA KIDS ACQUIRES ANIMATED FILM
CHARLIE THE WONDERDOG
VOICED BY OWEN WILSON
FOR WIDE THEATRICAL RELEASE IN
NORTH AMERICA JANUARY 16, 2026
Los Angeles, CA – October 3, 2025 — 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.
ABOUT VIVA KIDS
Viva Kids is a leading independent film production animation studio and all rights distributor dedicated to delivering world-class entertainment to global audiences. With a diverse portfolio of animated films and original films in production, Viva strives to captivate and engage viewers, fostering a love for storytelling and cinema for all ages. Recent successes include The Amazing Maurice, which Viva debuted at the Sundance Film Festival before its wide theatrical release, Night of the Zoopocalypse, and HITPIG, which played on over 2,000 screens nationwide. Viva is also bringing the New York Times bestselling book The Pout-Pout Fish to the big screen on March 20th, 2026. In addition, Viva Pictures has an equity interest in the 3D animation studio 3Doubles Producciones and continues to develop a slate of new productions.
For more information, visit vivafilmco.com.
https://www.vivafilmco.com/
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