Wife & Dog is now in production, with filming already underway. Even though there is no official release date yet, there are a few things that we know about this upcoming movie.
A Racecourse is One of the Filming Locations
The plot of the movie is being kept under wraps, but we do know that it revolves around an aristocratic society in Britain. Sir Anthony Hopkins and Benedict Cumberbatch have been spotted at Sandown Park Racecourse, with movie crews and signs put up to warn the public that filming was in progress. It makes sense for horse racing to play a pivotal part in the movie, as it’s the second-largest spectator sport in Britain.
It’s also one of the longest-established sports, with a history dating back centuries. Horse racing movies tend to do very at the box office too, with classics including Seabiscuit and the more modern release of A Horse Named Winx. Several games have also been created around the sport, including Horse Racing Simulator and the Slingo Racing online slot game. Titles like this take the sport of horse racing but add extra elements, in a bid to simulate the excitement of the race itself. It’s also faster to play than a traditional horse race, as players are given the chance to spin a reel, with the aim being to push the horse along the track.
With horse racing being such an integral part of UK culture, it’s not surprising to see that it has some part to play in the movie. Viewers can expect the movie to be released in the US in the first half of 2026, with Jamie Snowden, who won one of the races on the day, being recruited to play a part in Ritchie’s new movie. He said he was nervous at the time, but was simply asked to talk about the horses in the paddock and act naturally while doing so. Whether his footage ends up in the final movie is yet to be seen, but right now it’s an exciting development.
Ritchie is Known for Complex Narratives and Stories
Guy Ritchie is known for being able to construct complex narratives and stories, including Snatch and The Gentlemen. He’s also willing to dive into the many elements of the British upper class, showing all of the themes that are associated with them, while exploring the dynamics of different power struggles. With Rosamund Pike also starring in the movie, who played Jane Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, it’s clear that Ritchie is seeking experienced actors for the roles.
We also know that the screenplay for the movie is being overseen by Ivan Atkinson, who is working with John Friedberg. Black Bear International and Toff Guy Films are lined up to produce it, with the executive producers being Michael Heimler and Teddy Schwarzman, both of whom have worked with Ritchie before on some of his most successful movies. With new details being leaked all the time about this exciting release, it’s safe to say that audiences could well be in for a treat. This movie could well be another notch in the director’s star-studded post, and with such big actors signing up, it’s certainly got potential.
