The lateMichael K. Williams, best known for playing Omar Little onThe Wireand Chalky White onBoardwalk Empire, made his final featured performance in an animated short titledThe Brown Dog, and now fans can watch the film for free,Variety reports. The release comes courtesy ofIdris Elba, via his 22Summers production company, andChiwetel Ejiofor, who signed on as executive producers of the film, which was commissioned by WeTransfer’s arts arm WePresent and uploaded to their YouTube page on July 05, 2025, in honor of Williams’s birthday.
The film centers on Nobody, voiced by Williams, a nightwatchman at an apartment complex.“Cold and alone, Nobody goes in search of a mysterious brown dog,“the official synopsis reads,“taking us on a riveting tour of an unraveling mind at work.“The Brown Dogalso features Steve Buscemi in a supporting role, reuniting theBoardwalk Empireactors. Buscemi also executive-produced the project.
Elba co-starred onThe Wirewith Williams, and said this of the actor and the short:
When I was approached to come on board as an executive producer for ‘The Brown Dog,’ it felt like a natural, emotional connection to Michael K. Williams, my dear friend and co-star… Michael had such a unique gift - he brought soul, depth, and honesty to every role he played, and it’s an honor to continue his legacy through this film… ‘The Brown Dog’ is not just a story about survival and friendship; it’s a tribute to Michael’s spirit, his artistry, and the lasting impact he had on all of us. I’m proud to help bring this beautiful, poignant story to life and ensure that Michael’s voice is heard, even after he’s gone.
The Award-Winning ‘The Brown Dog’ Qualifies For An Oscar Nomination
Ejiofor, who appeared with Williams in12 Years a Slave, also weighed in on Williams’s impact, stating:
Michael K. Williams understood that bringing truth to a character was real work. That’s how talented of an actor he was… It is this same depth of his spirit that you experience onscreen in The Brown Dog. Michael’s Nobody speaks to our times. He conveys a deep sense of isolation and frustration with the world, but matched with a real human need for connection. You hear Michael as soon as you hear Nobody’s voice. ‘The Brown Dog’ is such a beautiful tribute to Michael’s talent, and I’m glad to be a part of a team that is continuing his legacy.
Best Michael K. Williams Performances, Ranked
Michael K. Williams was a respected and dynamic actor who captivated audiences with compelling roles in hit shows like The Wire and Boardwalk Empire.
The Brown Dogwas co-directed by Nadia Hallgren, director of the Michelle Obama documentaryBecoming, and Jamie-James Medina, who helmed music videos for Spoon and Iggy Pop, among others. The film made its world premiere at the American Black Film Festival, where it was a finalist for the HBO Short Film Award. It has screened at numerous other festivals, including the Tribeca Festival, the Raindance Festival in London, and at the Indy Shorts International Film Festival in Indianapolis, where it won the grand prize for animated shorts, thus qualifying it for the Academy Awards.
