Through his 22Summers production company, Idris Elba and Chiwetel Ejiofor have signed on as executive producers for The Brown Dog, a short animated film featuring the voices of the late Michael K. Williams.
Williams, who memorably portrayed Omar Little in The Wire and Chalky White in Boardwalk Empire, died in 2021 aged 54.
This posthumous project comes three years after his tragic death and will serve as a birthday tribute for the acclaimed actor.
So in honor of Williams’ 58th birthday on Friday, November 22, his final featured performance in the animated short film, The Brown Dog was debuted.
The animated short film is now available to stream on WeTransfer’s YouTube channel.
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Watch The Teaser Thriller Of The Brown Dog Below:
The Brown Dog” was written by Willis Earl Beal and co-directed by award-winning documentarian Nadia Hallgren, known for directing the Emmy-nominated Michelle Obama documentary “Becoming” and creative director Jamie-James Medina (The xx, FKA twigs, Sampha), animator Fons Schiedon known for “Mickey: The Story of a Mouse,” and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Tyshawn Sorey.
WeTransfer commissioned the project with actor-director Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Idris Elba joined the team of executive producers.
Williams’ “Boardwalk Empire” castmate Steve Buscemi appears in a supporting role and acts also as executive producer.
Idris Elba explained his involvement in the project:
“When I was approached to come on board as an executive producer for ‘The Brown Dog, ‘it felt like a natural, emotional connection to Michael K. Williams, my dear friend and co-star from ‘The Wire,’” said Elba in a statement.
“Michael had such a unique gift—he brought soul, depth, and honesty to every role he played, and it’s an honor to continue his legacy through this film.
‘The Brown Dog’ is not just a story about survival and friendship; it’s a tribute to Michael’s spirit, his artistry, and the lasting impact he had on all of us.
I’m proud to help bring this beautiful, poignant story to life and ensure that Michael’s voice is heard, even after he’s gone.”
Chiwetel Ejiofor, who starred opposite Williams in 12 Years a Slave stated:
“Michael K. Williams understood that bringing truth to a character was real work. That’s how talented of an actor he was.”
“It is this same depth of his spirit that you experience onscreen in ‘The Brown Dog.’ Michael’s Nobody speaks to our times.
He conveys a deep sense of isolation and frustration with the world, but matched with a real human need for connection. You hear Michael as soon as you hear Nobody’s voice.
‘The Brown Dog’ is such a beautiful tribute to Michael’s talent, and I’m glad to be a part of a team that is continuing his legacy.”
About this short film, the synopsis States:
The main character, ‘Nobody,’ the night watchman for an upscale apartment complex, whose feelings of isolation spark an existential crisis.
Cold and alone, Nobody goes in search of a mysterious brown dog, taking us on a riveting tour of an unraveling mind at work.
The film itself is a celebration of Mr. Williams and the deep truth he brought to every character he inhabited; only his voice could speak so quietly but profoundly to the experiences of those living on the margins of the American dream.”
