Warner Brothers studios today announced that their upcoming adaptation of Clifford the Big Red Dog will star Andy Serkis and be directed by Christopher Nolan.

While cast and crew remain tight-lipped about the script, Nolan says the story will capture the “sheer terror” of a towering crimson canine bearing down on packs of children. Nolan also said the film will explore the non-linear nature of time.

In a teaser for fans, Serkis posted a short video of himself rehearsing the role to his Instagram. The video, which sees Serkis trudging on all fours, crushing a Lego model of New York City beneath his “paws” and growling menacingly, has been liked over 128 million times.

Warner Bros’ announcement comes after a lengthy bidding war with Marvel studios, who sought to include the loveable mutt in Avengers: Infinity War. While the exact figure is not known, the price of the film rights was rumoured to be in the region of $90 million.

A small price to pay for the cinema dynamo that is Clifford.