In January 2026, nearly a decade after winning hearts at the cinema, the story of the stray Bailey remains relevant to the Brazilian public. Originally released in 2017, the feature film A Dog’s Purpose narrated the emotional journey of the dog through its different reincarnations and, thanks to its success, gained a sequel in 2019. With a recent premiere on streaming platforms in Brazil, the new chapter, titled A Dog’s Journey, follows the same successful formula that mixes emotion and lessons about unconditional love. The Brazilian public, always passionate about stories involving animals, finds in this franchise a moving narrative that, therefore, continues to generate engagement even years after the original releases.
The second film in the franchise, released in theaters in 2019, presents a new mission for the soul of the faithful dog Bailey. After finally reuniting with its first owner, Ethan (played by Dennis Quaid), the animal’s spirit now needs to protect CJ, Ethan’s granddaughter, played by Kathryn Prescott. The plot develops as a new sequence of reincarnations, where the dog assumes different physical forms to always be by the young woman’s side, who faces family difficulties. In this way, the production maintains the central concept that captivated the audience, exploring deep feelings of loyalty and overcoming through the eyes of man’s best friend.
Details and Characters of the Sequel
To fulfill its new journey, Bailey’s soul returns to Earth in four distinct breeds throughout the film. After its initial life as a mixed Saint Bernard and Australian Shepherd, it returns as Molly, an energetic Beagle. Next, the reincarnation brings a majestic male English Mastiff, nicknamed Big Dog. Finally, the cycle completes with the most unusual form: a small and brave Yorkshire Terrier named Max. Each of these lives brings unique challenges and learnings, while the animal tries to guide and comfort the young CJ, played by Kathryn Prescott. Furthermore, Marg Helgenberger returns as Hannah, reinforcing the family connection that is the heart of the story.
By bringing back elements that worked in the first film, the sequel seeks to repeat the successful recipe that generated a strong connection with fans. However, the plot introduces a new dramatic core by focusing on the relationship between the animal and the original protagonist’s granddaughter. In other words, the franchise demonstrates its ability to reinvent itself while maintaining its emotional essence. With the popularity of animal films on the rise in Brazil, it is likely that this story will continue to resonate with new generations of viewers, securing its place as a captivating title in streaming platform catalogs.
