“Homeward Bound” Actor Says He ‘Really Bonded’ with the Dogs on Set (Exclusive)

In a heartfelt reflection on his role in the beloved 1993 film Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, actor Benj Thall has opened up about the profound connections forged between the cast and the animals during production. Thall, who portrayed the character of Peter Burnford, revealed that these genuine relationships formed the emotional backbone of the film, which tells the tale of three pets on a perilous journey to reunite with their family.

Homeward Bound follows Shadow, a wise golden retriever; Chance, an impulsive American bulldog; and Sassy, a pampered Himalayan cat, as they navigate the wilderness after being left behind at a ranch. Driven by their loyalty, the animals face countless challenges, including wild predators and treacherous terrain, all in the name of returning to the children they love. Narrated from the pets’ perspectives, the story was brought to life with voice performances from well-known actors such as Sally Field, Michael J. Fox, and Don Ameche.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Thall, now 47, recalled how significant the time spent with the animals was in shaping the film’s emotional moments. He highlighted the connection between his character and Shadow, emphasising the importance of establishing trust between the young cast and the animal actors.

“The production team was very thoughtful about allowing us ample time to bond with the dogs,” Thall explained, noting that he had a golden retriever at home, which heightened his enthusiasm for the role. “It was really important for us to feel that connection,” he added.

Thall shared a particularly special bond with a dog named Ben, who played Shadow. “Ben really became a surrogate dog for me. We truly bonded during filming,” he said, sharing that this relationship contributed to the portrayal of genuine affection on screen. Despite two dogs being used to depict Shadow, Thall noted that Ben was the one who spent the most time with him, “He was really the main dog in the end… he and I really connected.”

The similarities in their names, however, did create some amusing challenges on set. “I’m Benj, and during scenes, the crew would be shouting, ‘Ben, Ben, sit! Ben, over here!’ I often found myself wondering, ‘Wait, are they calling me or the dog?’” Thall recounted with a chuckle.

Thall reminisced fondly about the care taken for the animal actors during production, asserting that each animal was treated as a star in their own right. “I wanted nothing more than to be on set and spend time with the animals. They were so well taken care of,” he explained.

Benj also shared that the dog actor’s fame extended beyond the set, as “Ben went on to enjoy a celebrity status himself after the film’s release.” He revealed how the dog made public appearances and visited children’s hospitals, creating a wonderful legacy that showcased the positive impact of their work together.

In addition to the strong bonds formed, Thall also highlighted unscripted moments that added to the charm of the film. He recalled how the energetic dog portraying Chance was just a puppy at the time, which resulted in some unexpected antics. “There’s a scene when Chance jumps out of the car and accidentally smacks Jamie into the door, and that was completely real,” he recalled. “There was also a moment where he collided with a tree, and again, that was not planned.”

These humorous instances contributed to the authentic feel of the film, making it an enduring favourite among generations of viewers. Even more than three decades later, Thall’s memories of working alongside the talented animal actors continue to evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, showcasing the power of genuine connection in storytelling.

As Homeward Bound remains a cherished classic in the hearts of many, Thall’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the real emotions that can be elicited when humans and animals share a bond. His experiences not only enriched his performance but also contributed to the film’s lasting legacy, one that will continue to inspire loyalty and love for years to come.