In the ways that movie studios should not be emulating Disney, making live-action remakes seems like it should be at the top of the list.
No one told this to to Dreamworks Pictures, though, which currently outshines the Mouse House in terms of quality of entertainment and box-office numbers. This year alone they had two box-office hits: Kung Fu Panda 4; and The Wild Robot. But those days look to be over, as the live-action remake has been announced for one of (arguably) the best animated franchises of all time: How to Train Your Dragon.
Everyone on the Laggin Out staff, and beyond, all groaned when they heard that this was a thing. We all know how that’s been going for Disney, so to see another studio go that direction is a big red flag. We’re not interested in recycled stories, ad nauseum, we want something new and fresh!
Now, as per usual, any movie remake is going to get a lot of blowback (by now you know my opinion). This remake is no different, but overshadowing the criticism of an unneeded remake is the criticism of the casting choice for who will play Astrid.
Nico Parker is of mixed race. I’ve not seen any of her work, so I will not comment on her talent as an actress. She’s has a few titles to her name, so she’s not new to the movie scene. On the face of it, however, the first impression a lot of internet critics have is that this is DEI rearing it’s ugly head yet again.
So that would be two strikes against the movie: a live-action remake, and a DEI hire for the lead actress…but let’s not emulate those who are quick to cry wolf. Hiro and I were both surprised when we dug into this story to find a response from the director that was actually thought out and makes a good case for justifying the decision in favor of Ms. Parker.
Director Dean DeBlois wrote on his Instagram account the following:
We auditioned many actors for the roles, including actors who looked like their animated counterparts. But we chose the actors who best embodied the spirit and personality of the characters, since the tribe in this version is made up of descendants of the finest dragon fighters from everywhere the Vikings had ever traveled (which historically was far and wide — Vikings mixed with many cultures).
This is what casting should be–those who bring the characters to life get the job. Ms. Parker seems to have done that. Besides which, Deblois makes a good case for why Vikings would be different races, or mixed…the history of the tribe. Deblois also adds:
…we’re crafting a fantasy, not historical fact, and all will be revealed in time. We’re not making a shot for shot remake. We just stock close to key moments to honor the original — which I remain very proud of.
What a novel concept…a director not crying “RRRRRRRRACISM”, but instead justifying his decisions in a way that make us stop and think.
I’m still not excited to see another live-action remake, but at least this one I’m willing to hold my opinion until I actually see what the reviews look like.
Other Topics Discussed on This Live…
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- ASPYR FIXES THE STATUE!
- HBO’S HARRY POTTER CASTING?
- NINTENDO CINEMATIC UNIVERSAL CRASH?
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