The Friend: A Must-Watch Movie for Great Dane Lovers
A Story About Love, Loss, and One Big Damn Dog
If you’re a Great Dane lover (or just a big dog enthusiast), we have some exciting news for you—a new movie featuring a giant breed dog is coming to the big screen this spring!
The Friend, starring Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, and a striking Harlequin Great Dane named Apollo, tells the touching story of Iris, a novelist who suddenly finds herself responsible for her late mentor’s beloved dog. In the wake of grief, Apollo becomes more than just a pet—he becomes her greatest source of comfort and companionship.
This film explores the deep bond between humans and their dogs, and if we had to guess, it’s going to be a tissues-required kind of movie (you’ve been warned).
The Star of the Show: Apollo the Great Dane
While Naomi Watts and Bill Murray are the big-name actors in The Friend, let’s be real—the true scene-stealer here is Apollo, the Great Dane.
Apollo is played by a real-life gentle giant named Bing, who was chosen for the role after an extensive search. Directors Scott McGehee and David Siegel wanted a dog with presence, intelligence, and a lovable personality—and Bing fit the bill perfectly.
If you’ve ever owned a Great Dane, you know their expressive eyes and oversized goofiness make them some of the best dogs on the planet. Seeing that captured on the big screen? We’re here for it.
Why We’re Excited for The Friend
✔️ A Giant Breed in the Hollywood Spotlight
Big dogs don’t always get their fair share of screentime in films, so we love seeing a Great Dane as a central character!
✔️ An Emotional, Heartfelt Story
Movies about dogs always manage to pull at the heartstrings, and this one looks like no exception.
✔️ The Cast is Incredible
Naomi Watts and Bill Murray bring serious star power to the film, and the chemistry between them and Apollo looks magical.
✔️ The Perfect Excuse for a Dog Movie Night
Honestly, we just love any reason to talk about (and watch) Great Danes.
When and Where to Watch
📅 NYC Premiere: March 28, 2025
📅 Nationwide Release: April 4, 2025
We’ll be watching with our big damn dog—will you? Let us know in the comments if The Friend is on your must-watch list!
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1 comment
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So many asking does dog die at end of movie as they are not going to watch movie
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The Big Damn Dog Co. replied:
Such a good question! We have a hard time watching any movie where the dog dies 😖 We hope this one won’t be the case, especially since the main theme is about recovering from grief 🤞Laurel on
About the Author
Sarah McLean is the Co-Founder of The Big Damn Dog Co., a brand built specifically for giant breed dogs and the people who love them. Her work is rooted in one mission: helping big dogs live more, better years.
She didn’t set out to build a dog supplement company. It started with her own Great Dane, Lucy, who came into her life after a rough start and changed everything. What began as a personal commitment to give one dog a better life turned into a larger mission to support giant breed dogs everywhere.
Today, Sarah shares what she’s learned through real-life experience, ongoing research, and countless conversations with veterinarians, trainers, and pet care professionals. Her approach is honest, prevention-focused, and built around the belief that big dogs don’t need more. They need better.
