Dean DeBlois, the director of the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, has addressed criticism surrounding the casting of Nico Parker as Astrid in the upcoming film.
The adaptation reimagines the beloved 2010 animated movie, in which America Ferrera originally voiced Astrid. Alongside Parker, the live-action cast includes Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, and Nick Frost.
Since the announcement of Parker’s casting, some have voiced disapproval, citing differences between Parker, a Black actor, and the animated version of Astrid, who was depicted as White.
DeBlois recently took to Instagram to defend the casting decision, emphasizing that it aligns with the world-building of the live-action film.
He explained that Parker’s audition embodied Astrid’s character perfectly and that her casting fits within the story’s creative vision.
The director also highlighted the broader cultural makeup of the tribe in this version of the narrative, which reflects descendants of Viking dragon fighters who historically traveled extensively and mixed with various cultures.
In his post, DeBlois stated:
“We auditioned many actors for the roles, including those resembling their animated counterparts. However, we chose those who best captured the spirit and personality of the characters.
In this version, the tribe is composed of descendants of the finest dragon fighters from all the places the Vikings traveled—historically, far and wide. Still, this is a fantasy, not a historical retelling, and all will be revealed in time.
We’re not making a shot-for-shot remake but instead striking close to key moments to honor the original, which I remain very proud of.
The tease includes a few of these moments. Rather than creating an entirely new tale, we aimed to embellish and deepen the story fans love without abandoning its heart.”
Nico Parker’s Role in How to Train Your Dragon
Although Parker is a rising actor, she has already gained acclaim for her portrayal of Sarah Miller in HBO’s The Last of Us. Her prior roles have demonstrated her talent and ability to embody complex characters, making her a fitting choice for Astrid.
Astrid, a fierce Viking warrior and Hiccup’s eventual love interest, is a central figure in the How to Train Your Dragon series. DeBlois’ confidence in Parker’s casting reflects her ability to channel Astrid’s youthful energy and determination.
How to Train Your Dragon Live-Action Adaptation Filming (Photo: Dreamworks)
Despite the backlash, DeBlois dismissed the notion that casting a Black actor as Astrid compromises historical accuracy.
He reiterated that the Vikings’ far-reaching travels and interactions with diverse cultures justify the inclusion of characters with varied backgrounds in the tribe. This creative approach preserves the story’s realism while also embracing its fantastical elements.
Parker’s Performance in the Live-Action Adaptation
While Parker’s Astrid was absent from the first trailer, the behind-the-scenes footage released by Universal Pictures showcased her in character.
Fans got a glimpse of how Parker brings Astrid to life within the vibrant world of Berk, sparking anticipation for her full performance when the film is released in 2025. Her portrayal seems to capture the original character’s essence, proving she is a strong addition to the cast.
This adaptation is not the first to face scrutiny for casting choices that deviate from traditional portrayals.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid featured Halle Bailey as Ariel, and Snow White will star Rachel Zegler, both of whom received initial backlash but later won over audiences.
Similarly, Parker’s casting underscores a growing trend of prioritizing an actor’s ability to embody a character over their physical resemblance to animated counterparts.
A Look Ahead to How to Train Your Dragon
The film’s first trailer, featuring iconic moments such as Hiccup’s initial meeting with Toothless, has reassured fans about the accuracy of the adaptation.
As additional footage is released, including Parker’s scenes as Astrid, skeptics may be convinced of her ability to bring the character to life. By combining nostalgia with fresh creative interpretations, the film aims to celebrate and expand on the original.
The How to Train Your Dragon live-action movie is set to be a centerpiece of DreamWorks’ upcoming slate, joining other highly anticipated projects like The Bad Guys 2 and Shrek 5.
With Dean DeBlois and co-director Chris Sanders at the helm, the film promises to be a labor of love, capturing the magic of the animated series while introducing new dimensions to its characters and world.
Nico Parker’s performance as Astrid could play a pivotal role in elevating this retelling and silencing criticism surrounding her casting.
- How to Train Your Dragon (live-action): June 13, 2025
- Other DreamWorks projects include Dog Man (January 31, 2025) and Shrek 5 (July 1, 2026).
The live-action adaptation is shaping up to be one of DreamWorks’ most ambitious projects, potentially setting the stage for more reimaginings of their animated classics.
Parker’s portrayal of Astrid could serve as a testament to the importance of performance and storytelling over superficial expectations. Fans and newcomers alike have much to look forward to when the film hits theaters.
