The Live-Action "How to Train Your Dragon": Delving into the Cinematic Retelling of a Masterpiece
Introduction
Upon the recent release of the latest trailer for the live-action remake of "How to Train Your Dragon," a beloved animated masterpiece, many questions arose regarding the necessity and potential value of this adaptation. Writer-director Dean DeBlois unveiled three scenes and the new trailer to the press, providing answers to these burning queries.
The Need for a Live-Action Remake
DeBlois expressed skepticism towards live-action remakes, believing they should have a compelling justification. In the case of "How to Train Your Dragon," he saw an opportunity to delve deeper into characters, explore the Viking mythology, and enhance the dragon designs. He envisioned this remake as the film they would have created in 2010 with ample time and resources.
Comparative Analysis of Original and Live-Action Versions
The first scene showcased the young Vikings’ initial encounter with the dragon, highlighting Astrid’s dominance. While resembling the animated version, it offered a more nuanced portrayal of Astrid’s character.
In contrast, the iconic flight sequence between Hiccup and Toothless was nearly identical to its animated counterpart. "We felt like we should almost stick shot for shot with the animated movie because these are iconic scenes that fans will recognize," said DeBlois.
Designing the Dragons: Balancing Authenticity and Familiarity
One of the main concerns was the design of the live-action dragons. DeBlois drew inspiration from special effects pioneer John Dykstra, imagining the animated film as a prequel to the live-action movie. They sought to retain the recognizable silhouettes and personalities while grounding them in a realistic environment.
"Working backward, we were able to retain what we think might have been simplified in an animated design, but give it a little bit more of a robust sort of skeleton, musculature, scales, and details," explained DeBlois.
Preserving the Iconic Score
Composer John Powell faced the challenge of preserving the beloved score while introducing fresh elements. DeBlois stated, "How do you keep what people loved about it, but also bring a little more sophistication, paint with different brushes, and refresh it for hopefully a new generation of people?"
The Connection with the Theme Park
Despite the simultaneous development of the live-action film and the "How to Train Your Dragon" theme park at Universal’s Epic Universe, DeBlois emphasized that the teams worked independently. He expressed curiosity about the theme park, which would explore the world after dragons had become integrated into Viking society.
Conclusion
DeBlois expressed confidence in the live-action adaptation and acknowledged that "the worst case scenario is ‘There’s always the animated movies.’" However, he believes that the new film will offer a worthwhile and engaging experience, expanding on the rich world and beloved characters that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. "How to Train Your Dragon" is scheduled to hit theaters on June 13th, promising to rekindle the magic of the original while forging a new cinematic legacy.
