Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Clifford the Big Red Dog’s Izaac Wang

Izaac Wang is a larger-than-life talent who has quickly emerged as one to watch in the industry. His past credits include projects like Good Boys and Raya and the Last Dragon—just to name a few. This fall, he shines in his breakout role in Clifford the Big Red Dog. Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Izaac about his career, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and more!

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting and storytelling?
Izaac: My family and I moved to California from Minnesota for my dad’s business when I was four. My dad met my manager Robin by chance at his workplace. He always saw her rushing in and out, so he asked her, “What do you do for a living?” She then said, “I’m a talent manager for young actors.” Somehow my dad convinced her that I would be good at acting because of my personality and characteristics. He said, “My son is funny, handsome, and a jokester.” He then showed her a picture of me and she wanted to meet up. I discovered my passion for acting by chance, and ever since then I grew to love acting and telling stories through different characters.

PC: Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
Izaac: There are so many role models in my life, but the most influential one has to be my dad. He introduced me to my manager, and that’s how I got into acting. He’s been my coach, my hype man, my lecturer, occasionally my driver, and the person who helped me book Good Boys. He encourages me to be better every day. I am grateful and blessed to be where I am today thanks to the help of many others, like my team, my manager, and of course my mom.

PC: Tell us about Clifford the Big Red Dog, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Izaac: Clifford the Big Red Dog is about the friendship between a young girl (Emily Elizabeth) and her big red dog Clifford.

My character, Owen Yu, is a caring friend who goes on this incredible journey with Emily. He’s faithful but also incredibly cautious. He’s loyal to Emily and will always help her if she’s ever in trouble. Near the end of the film, you see Owen grow into someone who might still be a little scared but definitely braver.

What drew me to this project was the fact that it was Clifford the Big Red Dog. I always loved him growing up, and I was really happy when I got the role of Owen.

PC: Did that bring any pressure to the project?
Izaac: Even though I had read all the books and watched all the cartoons, that didn’t bring much stress into the project for me because filming the movie was super fun. Darby [Camp] and I had a blast, and having all the comedians on set, led by Jack [Whitehall], made almost every moment full of laughs. Plus Walt [Becker] was one of the best directors I’ve ever worked with. So it made the whole thing super fun.

PC: Is there a scene that you’re excited for audiences to see?
Izaac: One of my favorite scenes to film was the one where Clifford and Owen are in the van and Clifford farts! It was so fun to shoot, and we had quite a few takes because I was laughing. I’m not sure I’ll ever experience pretending to be farted on by a giant red dog in my career again!

PC: What do you hope audiences take away after they see the film?
Izaac: I hope audiences take away that no matter what we look like or how we act, we should always treat each other like how we treat ourselves: with respect, kindness, and love.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Favorite TV show?
Izaac: One Punch Man.

PC: Favorite movie?
Izaac: Saving Private Ryan.

PC: Favorite book?
Izaac: Brisingr.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Izaac: Wicked.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Izaac: The Notorious B.I.G.

PC: Dream role?
Izaac: Being in a racing car movie.

To keep up with Izaac, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Clifford the Big Red Dog in theaters now.

Photo Credit: Emily Sandifer