Stray Dog Leads Brazilian Film 'Caramelo' in Netflix Debut

Overview

• Caramelo premiered on Netflix on October 8, 2025, starring Rafael Vitti with Amendoim as the canine lead.
• Trainer Luís Estrelas says Amendoim was a stray that appeared at his family’s sítio and was selected for the role.
• The 11‑week production used roughly 60 trained dogs with six doubles for the lead, supported by a dedicated canine setup and welfare measures on set.
• Director Diego Freitas drew on his own pandemic pet adoption to frame a story about how an animal can change a life, seeking a dog that felt distinctly Brazilian.
• Social media discussion has focused on the dog’s fate, with Netflix Brasil playfully engaging with viewers on X.