Dog Man Director Peter Hastings on Bringing The Book to Life in Epic Animated Adventure

Inside the making of “Dog Man” with Director Peter Hastings.

DreamWorks Animation’s Dog Man leaps off the pages of Dav Pilkey’s bestselling book series and onto the big screen in an animated adventure filled with heart, humor, and heroism. Directed by Emmy-winning animator Peter Hastings (The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants), the film follows the half-dog, half-human police officer Dog Man as he protects his city while learning valuable lessons about family, friendship, and second chances.

Featuring a star-studded cast including Lil Rel Howery, Isla Fisher, Ricky Gervais, and Pete Davidson as the mischievous Petey the Cat, Dog Man hits theaters on Jan. 31.

Conversation with the Director.

In an exclusive interview with Nerdtropolis, Hastings discussed the challenges of adapting Pilkey’s unique storytelling style for the screen. “The trick was really about maintaining what’s great about these books—their sensibility, style, and emotional core,” he said. “It’s all about blending those impactful moments with the silliness and action that fans love.”

Hastings praised the film’s vibrant animation style, created under the vision of production designer Nate Rag. “We developed a tag called ‘high-end handmade.’ It’s polished but maintains a hands-on feel, with crooked lines, text on screen, and pencil strokes,” he explained. “We were determined to bring the charm of the books to life while expanding their visual world.”

Pete Davidson’s performance as Petey the Cat was a highlight for Hastings. “Pete brought a wonderful energy to the role,” he said. “He has this ability to balance high-energy moments with sweet, heartfelt scenes, which was so important for the character.”

While Dog Man stays true to its kid-friendly roots, Hastings emphasized that the movie is designed for all ages. “I don’t think about making something just for kids,” he said. “It’s about what the kid in me loves while keeping it fun and engaging for adults.”

Reflecting on the past.

Hastings, who worked on classic shows like Animaniacs and Pinky and the Brain, reflected on their lasting impact. “We were a group of funny people with the freedom to create what we wanted,” he said. “It’s incredible to see how much those shows still resonate with fans today.”

When asked to sum up Dog Man, Hastings described it as a movie with something for everyone. “The message is positive and uplifting,” he said. “I want parents to leave the theater feeling like everything’s going to be OK.”

With its universal appeal and heartfelt storytelling, Dog Man promises to delight longtime fans of the books and newcomers alike.

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