SYNOPSIS

This is based on the 1960's offbeat cartoon series which is being planned as a live-action feature that parodies the superhero genre. In the feature script, by Joe Piscatella and Craig A. Williams, a diminutive hound named Shoeshine gets superpowers after a lab accident. When he's adopted by a 12-year-old boy, the two form a bond around the shared knowledge that Shoeshine is really Underdog. The characters of mad scientist Simon Barsinister and Underdog's love interest, Sweet Polly Purebred, are expected to be included in the movie. A real dog will be used for the title character, and CGI enhancements will be added.

PREVIEW NOTES

• Spyglass and Disney get Adam Rifkin to write script. - 2002-09-20
• Variety reports that Walt Disney Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment are putting the final touches on a deal to make this as a possible franchise for its Walt Disney Pictures label. Producers are aiming to start preparing in November for shoot starting in January in Canada, possibly in Vancouver. - 2005-06-20
• Variety reports that Disney Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment are in talks with helmer Frederik Du Chau to direct the project. - 2005-08-10
• Variety reports that Peter Dinklage has signed on to play the bad guy in the pic which starts shooting April 10 in Rhode Island - Dinklage will portray Simon Barsinister, an evil scientist who once created a Big Dipper Machine in an effort to steal the world's water supply. - 2006-03-31
• The Hollywood Reporter reports that Jason Lee is lending his voice for the title character. - 2006-04-26
• Variety reports that Amy Adams has landed the lead female role. - 2006-05-15