In an exciting development, the live-action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon” is set to capture the magic of the original animated film while introducing its own unique identity.
Nico Parker, who stars as Astrid alongside Mason Thames as Hiccup, shared insights into the filming process and the movie’s approach during an interview on the press tour for her latest film, “Suncoast.”
Directed and written by Dean DeBlois, the filmmaker behind the original 2010 animated masterpiece, the live-action adaptation promises to retain the enchantment of the beloved story. Notably, Gerard Butler will reprise his role as Stoick the Vast, transitioning from live-action to animation, adding a touch of familiarity for fans of the original.
Parker expressed her joy working on the set and emphasized that while the remake would have its own interpretation and identity, it would still carry the essence of the original.
Addressing concerns about replicating the animated version, she highlighted the importance of avoiding a mere play-by-play recreation and encouraged viewers to appreciate the film as a standalone creation.
Parker’s optimism and enjoyment of the filmmaking process reflected her belief that the live-action remake would be wonderful, regardless of direct comparisons to its animated predecessor.
The live-action “How to Train Your Dragon” remake has the potential to transcend the animated trilogy’s success. Departing from the criticism often aimed at other live-action animated adaptations for lack of originality, this remake, under DeBlois’s direction, has the opportunity to expand and enhance the epic world of dragons and Vikings.
The unexpected announcement of the remake surprised fans, and with the accomplished cinematographer Bill Pope, known for his work on iconic films like “The Matrix” trilogy and “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World,” collaborating with DeBlois, the project takes on a grander scale.
The use of IMAX cameras, as confirmed by DeBlois in a production snapshot, promises a visually stunning experience, making an already epic animated trilogy even more immense in the live-action format.
As the original “How to Train Your Dragon” trilogy and subsequent TV series achieved remarkable success, the live-action remake marks an exciting chapter in the franchise’s evolution.
If the film performs well, it could pave the way for live-action adaptations of the second and third films, providing audiences with a fresh perspective on the captivating world crafted by Cressida Cowell and brought to life by DeBlois.