Movies - Dog Man : Tom Howe Delivers a Wild and Inventive Score for DreamWorks’ Latest Animated Adventure

By Mulder, 30 january 2025

DreamWorks Animation’s highly anticipated adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s beloved graphic novel series, Dog Man, has finally arrived on the big screen, bringing with it an explosion of slapstick humor, fast-paced action, and a wildly inventive musical score by award-winning composer Tom Howe. Known for his dynamic and genre-blending compositions, Tom Howe has crafted a soundtrack that not only complements the film’s manic energy but also elevates its emotional depth, ensuring that Dog Man is as much a feast for the ears as it is for the eyes. The music serves as a powerful tool in setting the tone for the film, moving fluidly between energetic, comedic cues and poignant, heartfelt moments that deepen the connection between the audience and the characters. Through his use of unique instrumentation, unconventional recording techniques, and a fearless approach to genre fusion, Tom Howe has managed to craft a score that is not just a backdrop to the film but an integral part of its storytelling.

For a film as eccentric as Dog Man, director Peter Hastings encouraged Tom Howe to go beyond conventional orchestration and explore unique sonic textures. With a protagonist who doesn’t speak, Tom Howe was tasked with capturing the essence of Dog Man’s character through music alone. The result is an incredibly diverse and playful score that mirrors the protagonist’s unconventional nature, ensuring that every moment feels as animated through sound as it does through visuals. Tom Howe embraced an experimental mindset, incorporating real-world sounds and offbeat vocal effects to shape Dog Man’s world into something that feels both immersive and delightfully unpredictable.

“I wanted to make the music feel like Dog Man himself—fun, chaotic, and full of life,” explains Tom Howe. “Since he doesn’t talk, I had to rely on rhythm, instrumentation, and even sound effects to bring his personality to the forefront.” To achieve this, Tom Howe layered tracks with inventive uses of instruments and unconventional sounds. He recorded himself panting like a dog, blowing “mouth trumpet” raspberries, and clapping his hands to create percussive textures. These elements were then woven into the orchestration, giving the score a playful yet robust sound that perfectly matches Dog Man’s antics. The incorporation of these quirky sonic elements not only adds humor to the music but also gives Dog Man a distinctive musical voice that helps define his character without a single spoken word.

One of the standout aspects of the Dog Man score is its fusion of multiple musical styles. Drawing inspiration from classic ’60s and ’70s crime thrillers, Tom Howe incorporated wah-wah guitars, saxophones, and Afro flutes, creating a sound reminiscent of legendary composers like Lalo Schifrin (Mission: Impossible) and Isaac Hayes (Shaft). The result is a soundtrack that oscillates between groovy funk, high-octane action cues, and moments of heartfelt warmth. The brass-heavy themes and rhythmic basslines give a sense of propulsion, making action sequences feel even more exhilarating, while the funk-infused undertones inject the film with a sense of playful coolness.

“The idea was to make it feel like an old-school action movie, but with a quirky and comedic twist,” says Tom Howe. “Think Bullet meets Shaft, but with a cartoonish edge. There’s a lot of rhythm in Dog Man’s movement, so I used beats and percussive elements to match his physical comedy.” This approach is particularly evident in the film’s chase sequences, where frenetic brass stabs and syncopated drum patterns heighten the tension while maintaining an element of slapstick fun. In contrast, softer, jazz-infused piano melodies underscore the more emotional moments, particularly in the developing relationship between Dog Man, his rival Petey, and the lovable Lil’ Petey. By switching between funk, jazz, and orchestral elements, Tom Howe creates an intricate soundscape that feels dynamic and constantly in motion, mirroring the unpredictable energy of the film itself.

In addition to Tom Howe’s original score, the Dog Man soundtrack features an energetic new song, “SUPA GOOD!!!” performed by Yung Gravy featuring the legendary James Brown. This track, which plays during one of the film’s most climactic sequences, encapsulates the film’s upbeat, funky aesthetic while adding a contemporary twist. The track itself is a testament to the film’s ability to balance nostalgia with modern appeal, blending classic funk instrumentation with contemporary rap elements to create a song that feels both fresh and timeless.

“We wanted something that would get audiences moving in their seats,” says Hastings. “Yung Gravy brought in this modern flair, but pairing him with James Brown’s unmistakable voice created a bridge between old-school funk and today’s sound. It’s a celebration of everything Dog Man represents—fun, rebellion, and sheer joy.” The song has already started making waves, trending on social media and streaming platforms, with fans praising its infectious groove and connection to the film’s zany energy. By using a song that seamlessly integrates with the film’s musical DNA, the soundtrack ensures that its most memorable moments will stick with audiences long after they leave the theater.

While Dog Man marks another milestone in Tom Howe’s career, the composer is no stranger to crafting memorable scores. A two-time Emmy nominee, he has worked on an impressive array of projects across film and television. From co-composing the theme for Ted Lasso with Marcus Mumford to scoring Daisy Jones & The Six, Early Man, and The Legend of Tarzan, Tom Howe has established himself as one of the industry’s most versatile and innovative composers. His ability to seamlessly blend orchestral compositions with electronic, rock, and pop elements has made him a go-to for projects that require both emotional resonance and energetic musical storytelling. His work on Dog Man is no exception, proving once again that he has the ability to bring characters and worlds to life through sound. By infusing his compositions with personality and depth, Tom Howe elevates Dog Man from a simple animated adventure to an experience that feels fully realized and immersive.

With its mix of action, comedy, and heart, Dog Man has quickly become a hit with audiences. The film, which premiered at the Festival de l'Alpe d'Huez on January 15, 2025, has received positive early reviews, particularly for its lively animation, witty storytelling, and, of course, its standout music. Box office projections indicate a strong opening, with estimates ranging from $20 to $40 million in its first weekend. As Dog Man continues to make waves in theaters, its music remains one of its defining features, setting the tone for an unforgettable animated adventure. Whether it’s the funky grooves of SUPA GOOD!!!, the hand-clapping percussive beats, or the soaring orchestral moments, Tom Howe’s score ensures that Dog Man is not just seen but felt—through every note, rhythm, and playful bark.

Synopsis :
When a policeman and his faithful canine companion are both injured in the line of duty, a surgical operation as senseless as it is miraculous binds them together forever, giving birth to the one we'll now call Dog Man. Since then, he's been as dedicated to serving his country as he is to retrieving what's thrown at him, sitting up straight or rolling on the ground. He strives to prove himself under this new identity to better impress his superior, by putting an end to the exactions of the infamous Petey the Cat. Never short of bad ideas, the feline has recently found nothing better than cloning himself to double his capacity to commit crimes. But things get complicated when Lil Petey, his very young clone, falls into the clutches of a common enemy. To save the little kitten, dog and cat reluctantly join forces in a race against time. They discover that family ties can bring together even the most hostile enemies.

Dog Man
Written and directed by Peter Hastings
Based on Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
Produced by Karen Foster
Starring Pete Davidson, Lil Rel Howery, Isla Fisher, Poppy Liu, Stephen Root, Billy Boyd, Ricky Gervais
Edited by Brian Hopkins
Music by Tom Howe
Production company : DreamWorks Animation
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release dates : January 15, 2025 (Festival de l'Alpe d'Huez), January 31, 2025 (United States), April 5, 2025 (France)
Running time : 89 minutes