You can watch Lady and the Tramp, streaming exclusively on Disney+, starting on November 12, 2019.
When I heard I was visiting the set of Disney’s live-action Lady and the Tramp remake, my first thoughts were about meeting the dogs. Getting the chance to meet Rose, who plays Lady, and Monte, who plays Tramp, was a total career highlight for me. Beyond that, seeing all of the little details that went into filming with a canine cast was absolutely fascinating. Veteran animal trainer Mark Forbes was on hand to walk us through the process of getting those furry actors camera ready!
The Tramp Really Was A Tramp!
Monte was one of three dogs cast to play Tramp. The first dog cast was Wendell, a dog that was in an LA street gang. Wendell was at risk for being put down but was rescued by the filmmakers. In the end, they thought Wendell’s coloring wasn’t quite right for Tramp, but he stayed on set and was one of the dogs in the dog pound scene.
Another dog cast for Tramp was Shamus. Shamus encountered some medical issues soon after he was rescued. Two surgeries later and Shamus is happy and healthy!
Monte was originally rescued by a shelter in New Mexico before making it to a shelter in Pheonix. This is where Forbes found him.
A Street Dog No More!
There’s no need to worry that Tramp might be on the streets again one day. Forbes adopted Monte himself! (And you might remember from yesterday’s post, Yvette Nicole Brown adopted one of the stand-ins for Lady at the end of filming.)
The Challenges Of Working With Dogs
Getting the canine cast just right was a lengthy process. It took about 2 1/2 months to find every dog for the film. The process included scouring websites, contacting rescue agencies, and flying out to meet the dogs in person. It was important to the team that as many dogs as possible be rescues.
The dogs went to live with their trainers, and each went through a six to eight week period of learning basic commands like sit, stay, and lie down. The biggest challenge when shooting dogs was to make sure they were looking in the right direction. They frequently used a tool called a bait stick to attract their attention. Trainers would also don costumes and serve as extras in scenes to provide additional help to the dogs.
They’re Committed To Each Dog Getting Their Happily Ever After
The responsibilities for the dogs didn’t end when filming wrapped. Forbes has taken on the responsibility of making sure each dog found a happy home, including checking back in on them. “[We’re] committed to that dog being taken care of for the rest of his life.”
About The Lady And The Tramp Remake
In Disney+’s “Lady and the Tramp,” a timeless re-telling of the 1955 animated classic, a pampered house dog and a tough but lovable stray embark on an unexpected adventure and, despite their differences, grow closer and come to understand the value of home. Life is good for Lady, an overachieving American Cocker Spaniel who resides in an upscale suburban neighborhood. Her owners, Jim Dear and Darling, spoil her daily and her neighbors, Jock, an outspoken Scottish Terrier and Trusty, a world-weary Bloodhound, are always within barking distance. But when a baby enters the picture, Lady is no longer the center of attention, and the arrival of catloving Aunt Sarah only complicates matters. Lady soon finds herself alone on the streets in an unwelcoming part of town. Fortunately, Tramp steps in, and the streetwise mongrel is quick to teach her the ways of the world. Before long, the prim and proper pure bred and the fast-talking mutt are partaking in moonlight strolls in the park and romantic spaghetti dinners by candlelight. Tramp savors the independence of a world without leashes or fences alongside his roguish friends Peg and Bull, but Lady misses the comfort and safety of a family, and soon both must decide where – and with whom – they belong. A heartwarming romantic adventure that seamlessly combines live action and photorealistic animation, “Lady and the Tramp” stars: Tessa Thompson as the voice of Lady and Justin Theroux as the voice of Tramp; Kiersey Clemons as Darling; Thomas Mann as Jim Dear; Janelle Monáe as the voice of Peg; Yvette Nicole Brown as Aunt Sarah; and Sam Elliott as the voice of Trusty. The film is directed by Charlie Bean from a screenplay by Andrew Bujalski and Kari Granlund, and is produced by Brigham Taylor with Diane L. Sabatini serving as executive producer.
“Lady and the Tramp” premieres on November 12, 2019, streaming only on Disney+.