Bill Murray and Naomi Watts Bond Over a Great Dane in ‘The Friend’ Trailer

In the trailer for The Friend, the emotional support animal comes in a large package.

Based on the Sigrid Nunez novel, The Friend follows Iris (Naomi Watts), a writer and teacher, who is grieving the loss of her friend and mentor Walter (Bill Murray) when she learns that he has left her his dog, a Great Dane named Apollo.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

• Kristen Wiig, Bill Murray Set for 'Epiphany' Comedy From 'Palm Springs' Director

• Naomi Watts Almost Quit Acting Before Joining David Lynch's 'Mulholland Drive'

• Critic's Appreciation: David Lynch, a Visionary Director Who Spoke to Our Darker Selves

“What’s going to happen to the dog,” Murray’s Walter asks in the trailer. After taking in the dog, Watts’ Iris has to contend with the realities of having a new massive companion in a New York City, where Apollo destroys her apartment, takes over her bed and drags her down city sidewalks. All the while, she continues to work through the loss of her friend.

Scott McGhee and David Siegel directed and adapted the book for the screen. Constance Wu, Carla Gugino and Ann Dowd star alongside Watts and Murray. The Friend first premiered at the Telluride Film Festival to positive reviews, including THR’s, which reads: “This is a fresh, unsentimental yet touching story.”

The Friend will open in NY on March 28 before heading into wide release on April 4.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter

• The Best Anti-Fascist Films of All Time 

• Dinosaurs, Zombies and More ‘Wicked’: The Most Anticipated Movies of 2025

• From 'A Complete Unknown' to 'Selena' to 'Ray': 33 Notable Music Biopics

Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.