Disney has announced that production has begun on the remake of Pete's Dragon. The live-action/CGI film, directed by David Lowery (Ain't Them Bodies Saints), stars Oakes Fegley (This Is Where I Leave You) as Pete, an orphaned 10-year-boy who befriends Elliot, a dragon.
The press release also reveals that in addition to the previously announced cast members Bryce Dallas Howard, Robert Redford, and Oona Laurence, the film will also star Karl Urban and Wes Bentley.
Filming is underway in New Zealand for an August 12, 2016 release. Here's the full press release:
PRODUCTION ON “PETE’S DRAGON” BEGINS IN NEW ZEALAND, STARRING
BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD, OAKES FEGLEY AS PETE AND ROBERT REDFORD
BURBANK, Calif. (February 10, 2015) – Principal photography on “Pete’s Dragon” commenced today in New Zealand. A reimagining of the 1977 Disney classic, “Pete’s Dragon” will blend live action and CGI to tell the story of the special bond between an orphaned boy, Pete, and his best friend, Elliott, who just happens to be a dragon.
The film stars Bryce Dallas Howard (“The Help”) as Grace, a park ranger who discovers the existence of Elliott; 10-year-old Oakes Fegley (“This is Where I Leave You”) as Pete; Wes Bentley (“The Hunger Games”) as Jack, a local mill owner; New Zealand native Karl Urban (“Star Trek Into Darkness”) as Jack’s brother, Gavin; Oona Laurence as Natalie, the young girl who befriends Pete; and Oscar® winner Robert Redford (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “All the President’s Men”) as Grace’s father.
“Pete’s Dragon” is directed by David Lowery (“Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”) and produced by Jim Whitaker, with Barrie Osborne serving as executive producer. The screenplay is by Lowery and Toby Halbrooks. WETA Digital, the visual effects company founded by filmmaker Peter Jackson based in New Zealand, will utilize the latest in digital effects to bring the dragon, Elliott, to life. The film is scheduled to be released in U.S. theaters in August, 2016.
“This is a story about how magic can enter one’s life and change the way they see the world. And I think David Lowery is the perfect director to bring this project to life,” says Whitaker.
The production begins shooting in and around Wellington before moving north to the Rotorua area, and will complete principal photography in the South Island communities of Tapanui and Invercargill.
Film New Zealand, the country’s national film office and sister agency Film Wellington assisted the Walt Disney Studios in assessing and confirming New Zealand for the production.
“New Zealand has long been a wonderful partner for film production. Wellington’s state-of-the-art facilities and filmmaker-friendly community, in particular, make it an ideal location to shoot and be based out of,” says Osborne.
