As anticipation for the live-action adaptation of 'How to Train Your Dragon' reaches fever pitch, a casting announcement has sparked an unwarranted tempest of controversy. Nico Parker, acclaimed for her exquisite depiction of Sarah in HBO's 'The Last of Us,' has been tapped to breathe life into Astrid, the audacious Viking warrior who serves as the romantic foil to Hiccup in the beloved franchise. Yet, this decision has ignited a firestorm of debate, hinging solely on one fact: Parker does not conform to the conventional image of a Caucasian, blonde-haired Astrid.
The film's director, Dean DeBlois, stepped onto Instagram to quell the criticism, revealing that the casting process was centered on finding actors who could capture the "essence and character" of the roles, rather than mirroring their animated counterparts. "We auditioned numerous actors for these parts, including those resembling their animated versions," he elaborated. He further justified Parker's casting in terms of the film's world-building: "The tribe in this adaptation comprises descendants of the most skilled dragon warriors from all corners of the Vikings' extensive travels (historically, Vikings interacted with diverse cultures). Nevertheless, we are crafting a fantasy, not recounting historical facts... Rather than crafting an entirely novel tale, we aimed to enrich and deepen the existing one, without estranging the fans' beloved story."
Criticism over casting actors of diverse ethnicities in roles previously portrayed by whites is nothing new. We can readily refer to instances like 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,' where Hermione was played by a Black actress. In the books, Hermione's only visual descriptor involves her teeth and unruly hair, but since Emma Watson inhabited the role, it seemed destined for white actors thereafter. Similarly, Halle Bailey encountered backlash when she was selected to play Ariel, another character depicted as white in Disney's animated classic, 'The Little Mermaid.'
Yet, Astrid, Ariel, and Hermione share a common trait: they are fictional. Why should it matter who portrays them if they excel in the role? Wolverine is Canadian, but Hugh Jackman is Australian. Shall we dismiss him? Ahsoka Tano is a Togruta, but Rosario Dawson is a human woman. Must we cancel 'Star Wars'? The narrative about whitewashing being replaced by its polar opposite is at best nonsensical and at worst detrimental. Parker will undoubtedly shine as Astrid, enhancing 'How to Train Your Dragon' with her presence.
'How to Train Your Dragon' will soar into theaters on June 13, 2025.
