On June 13, fans of How to Train Your Dragon are getting a live action take on the story that is set to bring our dragons to life in a new way. However, there has also been some backlash over casting, in particular when it comes to the actress who portrays Astrid, Nico Parker.
Across social media, there have been complaints about a variety of things when it comes to this casting news, including the fact that they don't like her hair. Of course, some of the negativity stems from the fact that that Parker is not white, which is something we see repeatedly with live action remakes. Quite often, we see a lot of hate for casting decisions that see an actress that doesn't look exactly like the animated version taking on the role.
But when it comes to Nico Parker, she is not just letting people complain without defending herself. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Parker shared that she really does understand that there are people who want a scene by scene remake and she hopes they get something out of the live action, but beyond that she doesn't care about the negativity when it comes to herself.
Nico Parker responds to the hate on social media over her casting in How to Train Your Dragon
"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. But for the people that just hate inclusivity, hate change — when it comes to that side of things, I just don’t care.Nico Parker
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."
Honestly, I love that Nico Parker is not listening to the opinions of people who have nothing to do with her life in a personal capacity. If you don't know a person on a more intimate level, then your opinion of them really doesn't matter. And the fact that she is not letting people tear her down is wonderful.
Considering Parker's mother is the incomparable Thandiwe Newton, it makes sense that she would know exactly how to respond to critics and haters. And I believe her response is everything it needs to be. She makes it clear that she understands why some people might be worried, but she also hopes that they can enjoy the live action for what it is. At the same time, she also refuses to let the hate over something like her hair get to her.
Personally, I can't wait to see the new How to Train Your Dragon. And I am excited to see how Nico Parker makes the part of Astrid her own.