FINALLY, the filming of The Art of Racing in the Rain has commenced. “I was surprised and excited when I got an email a few months ago saying the filming would start April 30, ironically, on my mother’s birthday,” says Garth. “I’ve always said, a book doesn’t get better because it’s made into a movie; still, it’s pretty cool to think about Enzo on the silver screen!”
Milo Ventimiglia stars as Denny.
The lineup of celebrities attached to the movie—filming in Seattle, Vancouver, and Los Angeles—includes Milo Ventimiglia who’s currently America’s favorite TV dad playing the loving, strong, but flawed father on the Emmy winning show, This Is Us. Two-time Academy Award winner, Kevin Costner, gives voice to Enzo. Amanda Seyfried co-stars in the role of Denny’s wife, Eve. The project is helmed by the talented director, Simon Curtis (My Week with Marilyn, Goodbye Christopher Robin).
As faithful fans of Enzo and Garth know, the movie project has jumped around since 2009, when Universal began developing the adaptation with Patrick Dempsey slated to play the role of Denny. That version didn’t pan out, nor did the one with Disney. But Dempsey never stopped believing in the charm and wisdom of the canine mutt named Enzo, and found a home for the project at Fox 2000, with Dempsey producing.
Amanda Seyfried co-stars as Eve.
We’ll let you know the release date for the movie once it’s in post-production. In the meantime, summer is just around the corner so it’s the perfect time to re-read The Art of Racing in the Rain, or give a copy to a friend who hasn’t yet had the pleasure. The middle-grade version, Racing in the Rain, and the Enzo Kidz picture books let you turn this into a delightful family reading project, with discussion guides, games, and related projects for the kidz at www.EnzoKidz.com.
Kevin Costner does the voice of Enzo, but who will play the dog?
Vicki Mihm says
We were in the midst of losing our Golden Retriever Tazio when I purchased your book for my husband as an anniversary present. Upon his death we gave copies of your book to his caregivers with a picture of him inserted on the inside cover as a memorial to him When we opened our home to a rescue Golden it seemed only fitting to name him Enzo. We have continued to talk about your book and to distribute copies. It is such a wonderful book about life, racing and the love of a dog. Unfortunately we had to say goodbye to our Enzo just 12 days ago. Thank you for your wonderful book. It has made a significant impact on our lives.
Tom A Gore says
Thanks for sharing…and thanks more for caring for the dogs! My two passions are dogs and cars (in that order). I currently have two labs and fostering a border collie. I named my labs Audi and almost Porsche, but thought it a little corny…but I like the idea of first names and think I will name my next one Enzo as well! Ferrucio and Ferdinand don’t sound as good. 🙂
Thanks again!
Sunni Burgess says
I am so sorry for your loss. I am still not over the BEST furry friend I have ever had and over the years, I have had many and continue – currently three rescues. My silly shi-tzu, Shuffles, my 100 lb American Bull, Ella and my “I don’t know and neither does he”, little brown boy, “Chief”, for his daddy who had to give him up in 48 hours to deploy.
But my heart is still broken for my Cheyenne – the yellow Lab, the last left in her litter. What a dream dog! Never needed a collar or leash, read my mind and simple hand, finger signals. Spent time in the stalls with the show horses, cared for the kittens, ran with , Cherokee, my out of the pound hit list Golden. I miss them all, yet still keep collecting! But Cheyenne, second time I have had to put down – she looked at me and said “it’s my time, Mom”, couldn’t watch her suffer but I still suffer in my heart without her. 14 years, my best friend, love in my world ….
I am going to this movie tomorrow, with tissues ……… and I hope you find another need-a-great home dog ASAPossible, for your broken hearts. Sunni in Florida
Sandy schwartz says
I have been waiting for this movie for years. “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” is my favorite book.
Lou Thomson says
As a dog lover; your book is so cleverly written and one of the most entertaining I have ever read. It touches every human emotion. I have given as gifts to many family and friends always preaching it with “I can’t believe this hasn’t been made into a movie yet.” I’m so excited to meet Enzo on the big screen. We have had several Goldens so am in love with Enzo; he makes me view my dog differently in such an even more personal way. Because of Enzo I struggle with what channel to put on the tv when I leave the house. Most of all thank you for such an amazing, funny heart warming story that will live in my memory forever.
Pamela Smith says
OMG Finally. FINALLY!!!! I’m beyond excited and can’t wait. Yes I will re-read this book. HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY.
Isabela says
The book was a tear dripper, an inspiration and ultimately a happiness I could not have hoped for. May the movie serve the story to to its fullest. We are depending on you. All of us.
Connie McNeel says
They say good things come to those who wait. Well, this isn’t good, it is extraordinary!
Thank you for taking this masterpiece novel and turning it into a visual delight for all of us fans….surely it will be worth the wait. The cast is splendid, and of course we are all waiting to meet Enzo.
Best of everything in making of this wonderful story.
Die Hard Fan Connie in AZ
Thomas Ledet says
Picked up a copy of “The Art of Racing in the Rain”. Finished reading it. Well, almost. I couldn’t bring myself to reading the last few pages. I couldn’t see them through my tears. I picture my dog, LeRoux, as Enzo. I can’t bare the thought of him not being with me. Merci!
Lorna says
This is my all time favourite book! It was given to me when my sister passed away. It was such a huge help.
Can’t wait for the movie and I love Milo so great choice!
karenne marshall says
I have read this book about a dozen times or more because I simply love Enzo and his practicality, his defence for Denny and his love for the truth.
Margaret Colombe says
Wow had not heard about the movie. Just finished listening to the book on audible. I read the book twice before and have recommended it to friends and family many times. Definitely my favorite book!
Zung V Tran says
Looking forward to viewing the movie; excellent book – read it when it first came out, and purchased copies for my racing friends. As a amateur race car driver and dog lover, I especially was moved by the coming together of my two loves.
After I read you book, I actually got a bit better racing in the rain!
Best wishes,
Zung
NASA, GTS-3
Tom Dailey says
My boyTeddy came to mind while reading The Art…. My current “boy” Odie (who’s the same color as Enzo) actually did bark twice when I came home with my copy, saved from a dusty GOOWILL shelf. HAVING actually raced in the rain, (the only times I ever won WERE in the rain), and savored the scent of hot brakes, boiling brake fluid, gas & castor oil & shredded rubber, I was right there with Denny all the time. I laughed, cried, boiled with anger, and smiled with satisfaction (when Enzo crapped on the rug), and felt EVERY emotion in my frame… and yes, someday, I’ll have that 246 Dino I’ve lusted for… and Odin & I will scrub the tires… in memory of Teddy…& Enzo.
RuthAnn says
When I saw the trailer at the movies last night I am certain everyone in the theater knew my joy! A friend loaned me her copy and as soon as I finished reading it I purchased my own copy. I’ve recommended the book several times over. The best! I cannot wait to see the movie.
Carlos says
This book made me a dog lover. It made me laugh and cry profuse tears, especially at the end where Enzo walks me through his last moments. I have never experienced such devastation at the conclusion of a story. I now cherish my two Golden’s even more than I thought possible. I am looking forward to the film, despite the fact that I become an emotional wreck just watching the trailer.