Lana5 is easily one of the hottest (canine) action heroes working in Hollywood today – So you can bet we’re pumped at the chance to interview her! At 18 months old, this ambitious Belgian Malinois moved from the Netherlands to L.A. to pursue a career as an actor and stunt dog. In just a few years, she’s filmed on location in L.A., Berlin, Paris and New York.
The first role she landed was huge – Being part of the three-dog team that played Channing Tatum’s dog Lulu in the 2022 film Dog. Then the next year she went on to be in the team that played The Tracker’s dog in John Wick 4. In 2024, she starred alongside Walton Goggins as part of the “Dogmeat” team in the hit Amazon Prime series, Fallout. Currently enjoying some downtime at her home in Charleston, South Carolina, Lana5 kindly made time to answer a few questions!
Lana5 on her big break with Channing Tatum on Dog
Celebrity Pets: Your first role was playing Lulu with Channing Tatum in Dog. What was meeting a big celebrity dog lover like him for the first time like?
Lana5: It was no big deal. He’s easy company. We played some ball. (and I sneak sniffed him)
CP: As the role of Lulu, you also worked alongside two other dogs, Brita and Zuza. What were they like? What happened to them and do you keep in touch?
Lana5: Yes there were three of us that played the part of Lulu. Brita did a ton of the character work in Dog and now lives in Montana with her trainer Joe. Zuza was the largest of the three of us and did the breaking out of the crate and other rambunctious scenes. She lives in Los Angeles with her trainer Kimberly. We reconnected on John Wick 4 and Fallout.
CP: We heard you particularly enjoyed filming a scene where you tore up a car seat? And did you draw on your real-life experiences to embody that scene?
Lana5: That was the best! Honestly I cannot believe I was allowed to wreck a car seat! Channing shouted, “NO” as he approached the Bronco and I paused to look at him… But I knew he was acting so I went right back to it! At home, I am an excellent Amazon package opener and paper shredder.
CP: We heard a rumor that Channing, a well-known dog lover, wanted to adopt you after filming wrapped?
Lana5: I heard that too!
Lana5 on international travel and working on John Wick 4
CP: For John Wick 4, you worked with some of the veteran Belgian Malinois that appeared in part 3. Can you tell us a bit about them and your time together?
Lana5: Yes! Sam7, who did a lot of the dog hits/ bite work is my work bestie. We explored Potsdam, Paris, and even spent a couple days in Poland. Sam7 also played Nuke on Dog, which is where became work colleagues and friends. Santana did more character work and hung out in the office when he wasn’t training. He was pretty chill. One time I broke into the office and ate his kibbles. He didn’t even care!
CP: What was the most memorable scene you were in? Can you walk us through it?
Lana5: Hanging from Chidi’s (Marko Zaror) arm before he swung me into a car was great fun! He’s so tall I felt like I was flying.
Lana5 on working on Fallout starring Walton Goggins
CP: Fallout on Amazon Prime was a massive hit with over 65 million viewers – With your character, Dogmeat, a clear fan favorite and integral to the story. Do you now get recognized or ever hear people calling out “Dogmeat” when they see you?
Lana5: Not yet, but a few fans have requested my pawtograph.
CP: How was working with Walton Goggins and Michael Emerson?
Lana5: Walton was a nice guy, and familiar with Charleston because he also stars in Righteous Gemstones which films here. We worked with Michael Emerson quite a bit and I liked him very much as well!
CP: How did you and Goggins help each other in your scenes?
Lana5: He came to prep with us at our training center multiple times, so we were able to get acquainted and practice before he was in his elaborate makeup and wardrobe.
CP: Did you work with any other canine actors for this role?
Lana5: Yes three of my Belgian Malinois buddies and previous costars also handled the role of Dogmeat: Brita an Zuzu from Dog and Sam7 from John Wick 4.
Lana5 on her life off-set
CP: What’s a typical day like for you when you’re not on set?
Lana5: I have a lot of people and dog friends and keep a pretty rigorous social schedule. Charleston is dog friendly, so I normally visit Sightsee Coffee for a biscuit, and then meet friends at Sullivan’s Island to run the beach. In the evenings, we often walk down to the Battery, go to a restaurant, or on a quick shopping trip. The other day I went to the Salt Spa (for people), but they allow dogs and I love the relaxation room.
CP: How would your mom/trainer Julie describe your personality? Do you have any quirks?
Lana5: She would probably tell you I’m clever, kind-hearted, and cheeky. She would also mention that I am a consummate thief and an absolute pack rat.
CP: Being an A-list action star, how do you stay fit in your downtime?
Lana5: Beach runs, ball playing at the park, long walks, swimming in the ocean or the pool.
CP: What is the biggest challenge of being a stunt-performing canine actor?
Lana5: One time I broke my toe and had surgery to repair it. Injuries are the worst.
CP: Do you have any advice for aspiring canine actors or stunt dogs?
Lana5: Practice, practice, practice – And don’t be afraid to learn new tricks!
CP: Do you have any favorite tricks?
Lana5: I have a self-taught trust fall. If I don’t feel I’m getting enough attention I will sit up for a few beats and then fall backward. Sometimes I bump my head, but it’s worth it to see everyone scramble. My favorite people make it in time to catch me.
CP: Off the record, what’s the naughtiest thing you’ve done?
Lana5: One time Julie’s boss was at the training house and I *allegedly* chased a cat over a block wall fence. I was missing for at least three minutes and everyone was panicking and looking for me, but I was just next door.
CP: If you hosted a TED Talk, what would the topic be?
Lana5: How to plan + execute The Big Heist.
CP: Imagine you finally landed your own talk show, Late Night with Lana5, who would be your top three celebrity guests and why?
Lana5: 1) Taylor Swift to discuss dogs vs cats. 2) Channing Tatum to find out what our life together would be like if I moved in with him after filming Dog. 3) Chipmunk the Mayo Cat to find out how he handled his overnight fame from the Super Bowl commercial to the Sphere in Las Vegas.
CP: Is there a charity or non-profit organization you’d like to give a shoutout to?
Lana5: Charleston Animal Society – they are doing great work to help animals who need homes and they have a really cool educational program for kids.
CP: You and your mom Julie recently launched your own premium dog bedding brand, Anchor Pet Supply. What inspired it and what is it all about?
Lana5: Everyday when we were in Paris we would go to multiple cafés and outdoor spaces. Julie kept borrowing hotel towels for me to have something to lie on. When we were there she started sketching the idea for what is now our travel-friendly Vagabond Café Mat.
That was how it began. Now we have a durable line of locally made, eco-friendly dog beds and are about to launch a new product line!
CP: Have any exciting plans coming up? (Personal or professional)
Lana5: I spent the summer relaxing and exploring Canada. Now I’m reading new scripts. At this point in my career, I’m feeling a bit typecast as an action star, and am looking for a classic rom-com. I’d love a cameo on Outer Banks.
CP: Thanks for your time Lana5, really appreciate you sharing an insider’s look at the life of a canine action star!
You can follow Lana5 at @anchorpetsupply on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. And check out her classic canine brand at anchorpetsupply.com.