Countless people in Georgia benefit from the billions of dollars generated by the state’s film and TV production.
Now, thanks to a rescue dog’s starring role in a summer sci-fi movie, the same can be said for non-human Georgians, too.
In 2021, a Georgia family of production professionals adopted Coco from Fulton County Animal Services. Coca, a shepherd mix or a Carolina dog, was about 2 years old and fully grown at 70 pounds. The family was looking to add to their personal menagerie, and they also thought Coco would be perfect for an upcoming film role.
“They came and saw her, and they fell in love,” said the shelter’s Chloe Arrington, who added that, as far as anyone knows, Coco is the state’s first shelter animal to make it big in show business. She hopes more producers will be interested in finding more to adopt and use.
Coco was flown out of town to film here role in “Prey,” the latest “Predator” movie, which was released this summer and is available on Hulu.
She was definitely ready for her closeup, according to internet reaction. Screen Rant called her “a major breakout star.” Coco’s role was originally much smaller, but it grew based on preview audience’s demand to see more of her.
Coco had no prior film training before her role as Sarii, canine companion to the film’s young heroine. Her “joyful and playful personality won the hearts of the cast and crew,” the shelter said on Facebook. “We are SO delighted that Coco found the life she has, and is now shining a light on the potential of shelter dogs and what they are capable of when given a chance.”
Coco’s family lives in the Atlanta area, and although her next role hasn’t been signed yet, Arrington gave this tres industry update on what Coco’s doing these days.
“The last I heard, she was in L.A. doing press.”
A star is born.