In the upcoming movie “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines,” the standout star isn’t a Hollywood A-lister like David Duchovny, Pam Grier, or Henry Thomas. Instead, it’s Jellybean, a 7-year-old Red Heeler, who, according to his owner and trainer Melissa Millett, was destined for the role of an unearthed zombie canine.
What makes Jellybean’s performance all the more remarkable is the fact that he is completely deaf, which, surprisingly, worked to his advantage in a spooky film.
“In a creepy movie, we’re looking for long stares and quiet and focus, and that’s something that is easier to achieve with a deaf dog,” explains Millett. She meticulously trained Jellybean using hand signals to ensure he could maintain a menacingly slow pace while filming “Bloodlines,” set to premiere on Paramount+ on October 6. The movie serves as a prequel to the 2019 adaptation of Stephen King’s classic novel, “Pet Sematary.”
Director and co-writer of “Bloodlines,” Lindsey Anderson Beer, was captivated by Jellybean’s uncanny ability to move slowly, perfectly fitting the role of a zombie dog. Additionally, she was impressed by his appearance, which was enhanced with makeup, dirt, and the wonders of Hollywood magic, allowing Jellybean to seamlessly blend into the eerie narrative of humans and animals returning from the dead.
“The first time that Jellybean stepped out of the trailer with his hair all mucked up and standing on end and just didn’t even look like himself, it was so delightful,” Beer enthusiastically shares with PEOPLE.
Jellybean, the deaf canine sensation, has undoubtedly left his indelible mark on “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines,” proving that sometimes, it’s the four-legged stars that steal the show.
