Controversy Erupts Over Nico Parker’s Casting as Astrid in Live-Action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’

The announcement of the live-action adaptation of the beloved animated series ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ by Universal Studios has been met with mixed reactions, particularly regarding the casting of British actor Nico Parker as Astrid. The character, originally depicted as a blonde Viking in the animated films, has been reimagined with Parker, who has dark hair and eyes, sparking significant backlash from fans.

The controversy intensified after the release of the trailer, which showed Parker with blond highlights but not the full blonde hair that fans are accustomed to seeing on Astrid. This change has led to accusations that the film may have succumbed to “woke” demands, with some critics arguing that the character’s appearance should have been more faithful to the original animation.

Mark Kern, a former team lead for ‘World of Warcraft‘ and producer of ‘Diablo 2‘ and ‘Starcraft,’ has weighed in on the issue, criticizing the inclusion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) agendas in film and gaming. Kern and other critics argue that such changes can alter the historical and cultural context of characters and stories, leading to a disconnect between the original and the adaptation.

Fans have expressed their disappointment and frustration on social media, with some arguing that the character’s strength and personality should not be compromised by changes in appearance. Others have pointed out that hair and makeup could have been used to make Parker look more like the animated Astrid, but the studio chose not to do so.

The director of the live-action film has yet to respond directly to the backlash, but the controversy highlights the challenges of adapting beloved animated characters into live-action roles while maintaining fan loyalty and authenticity).