Movies - Arthur the King Celebrates Canine Companionship and Adventure at Star-Studded Influencer Event

By Mulder, Santa Monica, Dog PPL, 09 march 2024

In a delightful fusion of Hollywood spectacle and the spirit of canine fellowship, Lionsgate, in collaboration with Los Angeles' distinguished canine social club DOG PPL, recently hosted an unforgettable influencer event in Santa Monica. This gathering was no ordinary affair; it was a celebration of the upcoming adventure film Arthur the King, which intricately weaves the themes of perseverance, camaraderie, and the profound connection between humans and animals. The event was meticulously designed to provide guests and their beloved pets with an immersive experience that mirrored the essence of the film.

Set against the backdrop of a specially transformed dog park, the event featured an array of activities and stations, each thoughtfully crafted to echo the adventurous spirit of Arthur the King. Attendees, alongside their four-legged friends, were treated to grooming stations where dogs could enjoy a bit of pampering, embodying the film's theme of care and companionship. The 'Broadrail Bar' offered a thematic touch, serving as a nod to the film's setting and story, while kayak and jungle photo walls provided unique backdrops for memorable photographs. These carefully curated photo ops, along with an assortment of giveaway items, ensured that guests could capture and take home a piece of the adventure.

The star-studded event was attended by the film's notable cast, including Simu Liu, Nathalie Emmanuel, Ali Suliman, and the man whose real-life story inspired the film, Mikael Lindnord. The presence of producers Tucker Tooley, Tessa Tooley, and executive producer Dorothy Canton added a layer of behind-the-scenes insight into the making of this cinematic journey. Their participation highlighted the collaborative effort involved in bringing such a touching narrative to the big screen.

itw Simu Liu

itw Nathalie Emmanuel 

itw Mikael Lindnord

itw Ali Suliman

Arthur the King, directed by Simon Cellan Jones and based on the inspirational non-fiction book Arthur - The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home by Mikael Lindnord, tells the remarkable story of an adventure racing team captain and a wounded stray dog named Arthur. Mark Wahlberg leads an ensemble cast as the captain who befriends Arthur, inviting the dog to join his team in a grueling 435-mile race through the Dominican Republic. The film explores the themes of endurance, friendship, and the indomitable spirit of both humans and animals as they face daunting challenges together.

Originally announced in 2019, Arthur the King has navigated through its share of developments, including changes in directors and distributors, before landing with Lionsgate for its release on March 15, 2024. The film, with a runtime of 108 minutes, promises a heartwarming exploration of the unbreakable bonds forged in the face of adversity. Kevin Matley's music and Jacques Jouffret's cinematography complement the narrative, adding depth and emotion to this true story of determination and loyalty.

The influencer event in Santa Monica was not just a promotion for Arthur the King; it was a celebration of the themes that resonate at the heart of the film. The interactions between the attendees and their pets mirrored the story's core message of companionship and unwavering friendship. As anticipation builds for the film's release, Arthur the King stands as a testament to the extraordinary tales of courage and connection that exist in our world, waiting to be told.

Synopsis: 
Over the course of ten days and 435 miles, an unbreakable bond is forged between pro adventure racer Michael Light (Mark Wahlberg) and a scrappy street dog companion dubbed Arthur. Based on an incredible true story, Arthur the king follows Light, desperate for one last chance to win, as he convinces a sponsor to back him and a team of athletes (Simu Liu, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Ali Suliman) for the Adventure Racing World Championship in the Dominican Republic. As the team is pushed to their outer limits of endurance in the race, Arthur redefines what victory, loyalty and friendship truly mean.

Arthur the king
Directed by Simon Cellan Jones
Produced by: Tucker Tooley, Mark Canton, Courtney Solomon, Tessa Tooley, Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson
Written by Michael Brandt
Based upon: The book Arthur: The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home by Mikael Lindnord
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Simu Liu, Juliet Rylance, Nathalie Emmanuel, Ali Suliman, with Bear Grylls as Himself, and Paul Guilfoyle  
Music by Kevin Matley
Cinematography : Jacques Jouffret
Edited by Gary Roach
Production companies : eOne, Tucker Tooley Entertainment, Mark Canton Productions, Municipal Pictures
Distributed by Lionsgate (United States)
Release date : March 15, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 108 minutes

Photos : Getty Images for Lionsgate