Nico Parker recently weighed in on the online backlash against her casting in the How to Train Your Dragon live-action remake.
Some fans were upset when it was announced that Parker had been cast to play Astrid in How to Train Your Dragon. It was due to the actress not having blonde hair and blue eyes, just like the character's look in the original animated films.
What Does Nico Parker Think of the Backlash Against Her How to Train Your Dragon Casting?
In a recent interview with The Times of London, Parker addressed the backlash against her casting as Astrid in How to Train Your Dragon.
She shared that she didn't pay any attention to the reactions to her casting and opted to focus on how to give justice to the character.
"There’s some people that really love the animated movies and really want to see an exact play-by-play of that film, and I hope that you can watch [the new version] and find something that you love about it, regardless," the actress said.
"But for the people that just hate inclusivity, hate change — when it comes to that side of things, I just don’t care. If I wouldn’t value your opinion on most things in life, I can’t value your opinion on my hair. If I did, I would go mad."
Parker also opened up about how the industry has been changing since the representation of "mixed race" characters was "minimal" when she was younger.
"There’s still a long way to go — for women in general, in terms of new parts, original material and female-led stories. But I think that everything’s changing. I’d like to think that I could contribute to that change at some point," she said.
What to Expect in How to Train Your Dragon Live-Action Remake
How to Train Your Dragon is a live-action remake of the beloved 2010 DreamWorks Animation film. Dean DeBlois, who directed the animated trilogy, is also helming the new movie.
As an ancient threat endangers both Vikings and dragons alike on the isle of Berk, the friendship between Hiccup, an inventive Viking, and Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, becomes the key to both species forging a new future together.
Aside from Parker, the cast includes Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Harry Trevaldwyn, and Peter Serafinowicz.
The film is expected to be one of the biggest releases this summer season. A sequel is already in the works with a target release date of June 2027.
What do you think of Parker's remarks? Let us know in the comments!
Keep it locked on Epicstream for your best go-to source for film, TV, and celebrity coverage!