‘The Power of the Dog’: Netflix December 2021 Release Set & What You Need to Know

Benedict Cumberbatch, in his debut on-screen part in a Netflix Original will be the star of the screenplay adaptation of The Power of the Dog. The filming wrapped in summer 2020 and additional cast members were revealed. Now, the feature will debut at New York Film Festival on October 20, 21 and later arrive on Netflix on December 20, 2021.

The Power of the Dog, a Netflix Original Drama that will debut in 2019, is based on Jane Campion's screenplay. Campion’s screenplay is an adaptation of the 1967 novel of the same name by novelist Thomas Savage.

The Original was produced by BBC Films and Bright Star.

Jane Campion – Picture: Getty Images

What is the Netflix release date of The Power of the Dog?

Filming came to an end on the project in July 2020, and while it’s been a long wait we finally have our theatrical and Netflix release dates for The Power of the Dog.

Variety reports that The Power of the Dog will premiere at the New York Film Festival October 1, 2021. We’ve recently had confirmation that The Power of the Dog will arrive on Netflix on Wednesday, December 1st, 2021.

In select theatres, the movie will be released theatrically. It opens in theaters in Australia and New Zealand on November 11th while it’ll open in theaters elsewhere on November 17th.

Is The Power of the Dog available for streaming in my area?

The only region we’re questioning the release of is the United Kingdom.

With BBC Films listed as part of the production, there’s every chance that The Power of the Dog won’t be licensed in the UK. It’s more than likely that the film could be broadcast on BBC One, and then available to stream on BBC iPlayer before eventually making its way to Netflix.

Similar to the way other Netflix and BBC coproductions like Dracula or Wanderlust, this is also possible.

The Power of the Dog is available in all regions of the globe.

Vanity Fair Exclusive Photo – Picture: KIRSTY GRIFFIN/NETFLIX

Is there a plot to The Power of the Dog's story?

Netflix has provided the synopsis of The Power of the Dog:

“A pair of brothers who own a large ranch in Montana are pitted against each other when one of them gets married.”

Based on Thomas Savage's novel, the story could be considered one of the darkest dramas of the Original. The story includes bullying, misogyny and homosexuality in Montana, 1920s.

The Power of the Dog Novel Cover With Netflix Label

Who is in the cast for Netflix’s The Power of the Dog?

Cast grid for The Power of the Dog on Netflix

We learned the complete cast list for The Power of the Dog once filming had begun

Elisabeth Moss, an actress, was originally cast to play Rose prior to Kirsten Dunst's casting. However, scheduling conflicts forced her to withdraw from the project. Moss is most well known for her role as June Osborne, the protagonist in The Handmaid’s Tale.

Paul Dano, who was previously cast as George Burbank, is another replacement. His best efforts were not enough to overcome scheduling conflicts, so he had to leave The Power of the Dog. He was replaced by Jesse Plemons.

Benedict Cumberbatch will play the Power of the Dog, his first leading role on screen in a Netflix Original. When he was a part of the Mowgli production, he played Shere Khan, the Tiger.

What year did The Power of the Dog begin filming?

Although principal photography started on January 10, 2020, production was delayed due to the pandemic. Filming resumed in June 22, and ended on July 15th.

Filming was done in Newzealand, Otago's southern region. The filming location is Dunedin.

According to IMDb, the movie's status changed from being in post-production to having been completed July 26, 2021.

For more on the movie, we’d strongly recommend giving the VanityFair deep dive a read which goes into depth with Jane Campion on the new movie.

Do you look forward to The Power of the Dog's release? Comment below to let us know your thoughts!