Wow, I cannot describe how happy I was when I red this piece of news! Does anyone remember the TV series Benji, Zax & the Alien Prince with that cute little droid? I know, I know, there were movies too, but I wasn't even born when the first movies were released and was a very small child when the series ran, so I remember the series version, and I remember it with love (how couldn't I, when it brought together animals and sci-fi, two things I love the most?) . Well, there's gonna be a reboot, yay!
The news is, Brandon Camp, son of Joe Camp (who directed the original six movies) and director of the romantic comedy Love Happens, hopes to keep his father's legacy alive by rebooting the ever popular Benji franchise – now that's one reason for rebooting that I do approve. But he needs your help in finding the next successor to take over the role of this beloved furry dog (the reason I came to love furry dogs), originated by a fourteen year old mixed-breed named Higgins in the 1974's original, and then passed down to his daughter, a distant relative, and even a shelter dog discovered in South Mississippi as the series ran the entire range from big screen outings, to TV specials, through a Saturday morning series, and even a comic strip.
Brandon Camp and movie animal trainer Mark Forbes have set up a Facebook page that allows pet owners and shelter workers to post photos of their dogs and various strays that could possibly fit the role of Benji. If you think the next superstar doggie resides in your living room, let Brandon Camp and Mark Forbes know!
Brandon Camp and Mark Forbes aren't just stopping at this juncture. The two have teamed up on a nationwide search, scouring shelters and rescues across the country. Brandon hopes to keep the spirit of the original film intact, and had this to say about the upcoming film:
“Parents and grandparents will recognize the spirit of Benji. He was always a mutt and will always be a mutt. He is the everydog.”
About appeasing his father, who now lives in Nashville, he said:
“The irony is he doesn't have to say a thing. I hear his voice constantly in my head. If I screw this up, I have to look him in the eye.”
Benji hopes to begin filming sometime next year. All they need is the right dog!
Benji comes to theaters in 2014.
