Live-Action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Director Responds to Astrid Controversy: “Not everyone needs to be white in this community.”
The upcoming live-action version of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ has been stirring up some talk, and not just because of its dragons. Director Dean DeBlois recently spoke out about the casting of Nico Parker as Astrid, a choice that’s sparked a bit of a debate among viewers. The film, set to hit theaters on June 13, 2025, is bringing the beloved animated tale into a new format, but some folks aren’t thrilled with the changes.
Astrid, known as the fierce Viking warrior and Hiccup’s eventual love interest, was a blonde, fair-skinned character in the 2010 animated movie. Voiced by America Ferrera back then, she’s now being played by Parker, a Black actress with a growing resume. I’ve seen her shine in HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ as Sarah, and she’s also popped up in films like ‘Dumbo’. Her casting in this remake has some people upset, saying it doesn’t match the original look of the character.
DeBlois isn’t backing down, though. He made it clear in a recent chat during a preview event that this isn’t about sticking to history books. ‘Not everyone needs to be white in this community,’ he said, pointing out that ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ is a fantasy world, not a documentary.
The director also shared that Parker’s take on Astrid brings something fresh. In the animated film, Astrid was tough but didn’t get much depth early on. Now, DeBlois is giving her more to work with. She’s ambitious, aiming to be chief one day, and that creates a clash with Hiccup, the chief’s son who doesn’t quite fit the mold. It’s a dynamic that adds tension and makes her choice to side with Hiccup later on mean more. Parker, according to DeBlois, nails that confidence and fire.
This isn’t just about one character either. The live-action cast mixes things up across the board. Julian Dennison, a New Zealand actor of Maori descent, steps in as Fishlegs, another role that shifts from its blonde animated roots. Gerard Butler is back as Stoick, Hiccup’s dad, grounding the film with a familiar voice. New faces like Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nick Frost as Gobber round out the crew, blending old and new.
DeBlois has been with this story from the start—he co-directed the first animated film and helmed the sequels ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ and ‘How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World’. He knows this world inside out, which is why his push for a broader vision feels personal. The original trilogy wrapped up in 2019, earning praise for its heart and stunning animation, and now he’s taking a chance to expand it in live-action.
Some argue the Vikings we know from history were mostly white, but DeBlois brushes that off. He imagines this tribe as a mix of dragon fighters from all over, gathered by Vikings who traveled far—think North Africa or beyond. It’s a creative twist, not a lecture hall fact.
The movie’s sticking to key moments from the original—like Hiccup meeting Toothless—but it’s not a copy-paste job. DeBlois wants to deepen the story, not just redo it. Shot in Northern Ireland with epic landscapes and top-notch effects, it’s aiming to feel real and immersive. Composer John Powell’s returning too, so expect that same emotional punch from the music.
Sure, not everyone’s on board with the changes. Social media’s buzzing with opinions, some calling it a break from tradition. But DeBlois isn’t fazed. ‘If they want the exact same thing, they can watch the animated movie,’ he’s basically saying.
This whole thing comes from a preview event covered by ScreenRant, where DeBlois laid out his thoughts. It’s clear he’s all in on this vision, and I’m curious to see how it lands.