The trailer for the live-action film adaptation of beloved children’s book series Clifford the Big Red Dog has dropped and fans are already torn over Jack Whitehall’s ‘appalling’ American accent.
The books, which were written by Norman Bridwell and first published in 1963, helped establish Scholastic as a publisher and have been a big part of more than one generation of children’s lives.
The film starts with Clifford as a small red puppy, who is given to schoolgirl Emily Elizabeth (Darby Camp) by a magical animal rescuer played by Monty Python legend John Cleese (don’t worry, no American accent for him).
After learning that the size he grows to depends on how much she loves him, Emily then wakes up to a huge ten-foot dog in her New York City apartment bedroom and high-jinks naturally ensue.
Jack plays her fun-loving uncle, Casey, who is the not-so-responsible adult in charge while Emily’s mum (Sienna Guillory) is away on business.
Although Jack would absolutely convince people with his portrayal of a carefree adult, it seems many were much less convinced by the famous Brit’s attempt at an American accent and took to Twitter to vent.
‘Jack Whitehall is fighting for his life with that accent,’ observed one user, while another simply put: ‘why is jack whitehall american [sic].’
Another, who had criticised the film’s CGI too, also had no time for Jack Whitehall as an American, posting: ‘Actually, I worked out what’s worse after I saw the trailer. Jack Whitehall’s appalling New York accent!’
One user included Jack in a blanket dismissal of all British actors doing American accents, writing: ‘You’re American accent No offence mate but no English actor is any good at an American accent [sic].’
Others were drawing comparisons with The Late Late Show’s host James Corden’s move into the US market, stating: ‘jack whitehall is james cordonifying [sic].’
That theme continued as one posted: ‘Jack Whitehall is going to be the next James Corden I can feel it. May God have mercy on our souls.’
But plenty of fans were hyped up for the movie and Jack Whitehall’s involvement in it too.
‘Ok… so at 21, I’m technically an adult. But Clifford was a big part of my childhood, and Jack whitehall is my favourite comedian.
‘Who’s got a kid I could kidnap for a while to watch the Clifford movie?’ asked one.
Another commented: ‘Jack Whitehall with an American accent? No bad! Also this looks awesome, definitely going to see it.’
Jack himself seemed happy to take a bit of a ribbing on social media as he replied to one fan’s ‘That Accent’ comment and line of crying emojis with: ‘More disturbing than a 10 foot dog!’
Despite coronavirus-related industry shutdowns, the comic has had a busy year with his Brit Award hosting gig in May and his upcoming summer film with Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson for Disney, Jungle Cruise.
Directed by Walt Becker, the cast for Clifford the Big Red Dog also includes The Mysterious Benedict Society’s Tony Hale, David Alan Grier and Russell Wong.
Clifford The Big Red Dog is set for release in cinemas on September 17.
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