Courtney Howard // Film Critic
Canine superstars are plenty on Instagram. It’s grown into quite the burgeoning side hustle for some pet parents who’ve made their four-legged “fwends” model famous. However, there’s one pup in particular who’s amassed a gigantic following in a short span: @MisterBubz.
His posts are a not-so-quiet respite from the insanity of the world. The “bubblegum burrito,” as his owners “Motherwife” and “Trashboy” affectionately call him, has a distinct snarl and high-pitched growl that’s more hilarious than intimidating. Coupled with devilishly clever captions, he’s earned his 543K (and counting) followers – and a cameo in Netflix’s SOMEONE GREAT.
At the film’s recent press day, writer-director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and I gushed about our mutual love of this adorable dog.
I found this dog on Instagram when he had about 500 followers. Originally, on Jenny’s Instagram story, it was a sad song and a record player. And I saw this video of this dog and I was like, “I need this dog!” I went to the producers and I said, “This is going to sound insane, but I need this dog in this movie.” They were like, “What are you talking about?” I love him so much.
Even though Mr. Bubz had yet to breakout into the mainstream, Robinson wasn’t terribly worried about giving him such prime placement.
It was honestly one of those things that was like, if no one thinks this is funny, this will be the only joke in the movie that’s just for me and it will be my shining star moment of this entire cinematic experience.
Within a short time span, Mr. Bubz racked up thousands of new disciples, er, followers on the platform, even spawning merch. Robinson said,
It’s so funny that he’s blown up so much now. He’s got more followers than Lakeith Stanfield, which is hilarious.
She jokes,
I really have an eye for talent. What can I say? He’s a star! The poster should read Gina, DeWanda, Brittany and Mr. Bubz.
SOMEONE GREAT starts streaming on Netflix on April 19.
