Disney’s Pete’s Dragon, one of the films that made our 15 summer movies to get pumped up for list, just released its first trailer a few days ago. Though it carries a mild (very mild) essence of the 1977 Disney film of the same name, this reboot is an entirely modern take of Pete and his beloved dragon friend, Elliot.
Directed by David Lowery (Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, 2013), the film follows the story of Pete (played by newcomer Oakes Fegley), a 10-year old orphan boy who is found by a forest ranger in the woods living alone with a big, furry and green dragon who goes by the name of Elliot. Even though we won’t get to see (or hear sing!) the Gogans, sweet Nora or a quack doctor who tries to pronounce (very unsuccessfully) the name Passamaquoddy, this reboot promises to put aside the cartoon-ish style of the original film and give the story a more human touch.
The two and a-half minute trailer shows (to my discomfort) too much plot information. However, there are a few scenes that do capture your attention, especially the ones including Elliot flying. Great cinematography right there. I enjoyed watching Pete’s Dragon in my childhood. Songs were great and come on…Shelley Winters was in it! I just hope this new version of the story doesn’t make me forget “the happiest home in these hills.”
Also starring Bryce Dallas Howard, Robert Redford, Oona Laurence, Wes Bently, and Karl Urban, Pete’s Dragon hits theaters August 12. Watch the trailer below and let us know what you think in the comments!
Here’s the official poster for the film!
