Hollywood director Dean DeBlois, known for his work on the beloved “How to Train Your Dragon” animated films, understands the skepticism surrounding Hollywood’s trend of remakes. With the film industry frequently opting for live-action or hybrid remakes to draw family audiences back to theaters, there have been both hits and misses. DeBlois, keen to maintain the story’s original charm and essence, is steering the live-action remake set to release on June 25. “We approached this with great care,” DeBlois mentioned. “We sought to infuse integrity and love into the project, ensuring it wasn’t just a cynical cash grab.”
This summer, many family-friendly films aim to evoke a personal connection. Rihanna has produced “Smurfs,” due on July 18, while the Hawaii-filmed “Lilo & Stitch” hits screens on May 23. Family audiences can also enjoy a host of PG-rated films such as “The Bad Guys 2” (Aug. 1), “Freakier Friday” (Aug. 8), and Pixar’s “Elio” (June 20), about a space enthusiast child who experiences an alien abduction. The PG rating, once overshadowed by PG-13, is experiencing a renaissance, as evidenced by PG films accounting for one-third of last year’s box office, led by “Inside Out 2.”
In an unexpected collaboration, Rihanna, the multi-talented entertainer, partnered with “Smurfs” director Chris Miller. Rihanna’s fascination with the Smurfs, stemmed from childhood memories of watching the series on a single television channel in Barbados, led her to produce and take on the voice role of Smurfette. “Smurfs” promises a hybrid reboot, featuring a mission to rescue Papa Smurf and nods to the classic Peyo comics. Miller aimed for a contemporary take with an immersive visual experience while drawing inspiration from the original artwork. Coupled with a sharp script from Pam Brady, with Rihanna contributing music, Miller anticipates great fun ahead.
The voice ensemble, featuring stars like Kurt Russell, John Goodman, and Nick Offerman, shares a collective nostalgia for the Smurfs, reminiscent of “The Lego Movie” for Offerman. He remarked, “The film’s fresh and spirited approach makes it a must-watch.”
As “How to Train Your Dragon” transitions to a vivid live-action representation, DeBlois elevates the storytelling with a richly detailed world. The film explores an extraordinary bond between Hiccup (played by Mason Thames) and his dragon Toothless. DeBlois said, “The film is a crowd-pleaser, offering thrills, adventure, and wonder, elements that are both rare and vital.” Actress Nico Parker, portraying Astrid, praised the intricate set details, from real flames to the realistic backdrop of Berk. While the dragons carry a semblance of their animal kingdom relatives, Toothless keeps his whimsical allure.
Considering both the films and the books’ vast popularity, with over $1.6 billion in earnings, the live-action adaptation might attract new enthusiasts, especially as it’s already slated for a sequel. DeBlois added, “For those familiar with the stories, it offers nostalgia in a novel light, potentially shared with a new generation.”
Addressing the task of satisfying diverse family tastes, filmmaker Jamie Lee Curtis, who teamed up again with Lindsay Lohan for “Freakier Friday,” emphasized the film’s vast appeal through “big comedy elements” and “deep emotional connections.” “Elio” director Domee Shi blended quirky sci-fi adventures with poignant themes of loneliness and unexpected connections. Despite numerous streaming alternatives, movie theaters still captivate audiences. The previous year’s box office results showed PG films outperforming PG-13 for the first time in several years, asserting their significant influence on summer sales.
Dean Fleischer Camp, the director of “Lilo & Stitch,” believes the immersive cinema experience remains irreplaceable for young audiences. Recounting his childhood trips to theaters, he expressed, “Watching movies on the big screen is unforgettable.”