Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 10, 2025 · Entertainment

Nico Parker Defends Her Role: Diversity Takes Flight in 'How to Train Your Dragon'

The female lead in the new How to Train Your Dragon is pushing back against critics unhappy about her being cast in the live-action film

SPOILER ALERT!

The drama is heating up in Hollywood, and we've got the scoop on Nepo Baby Nico Parker's latest controversy. The 20-year-old actress, daughter of Emmy-winning mom Thandiwe Newton and writer-director dad Ol Parker, has clapped back at trolls who are going wild over her casting as Astrid in the upcoming live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon.

Parker, who is Zimbabwean by descent through her mother, has been slammed by some fans for not having the same blonde hair and blue eyes as her animated counterpart. But she's firing back with a sassy attitude that's got everyone talking! In an interview with The London Times, Parker said, "There are people out there who just love to hate inclusivity and change. And honestly, I don't care what they think."

Nico Parker, 20, stars as Astrid in the reimaging of the beloved story

When asked about the backlash, Parker shrugged it off, saying, "If I valued your opinion on most things in life, I'd go mad!" Ouch! She added that she's more concerned with bringing diversity to the screen, saying, "Seeing people of color represented in media was a game-changer for me when I was growing up. It made me feel seen and heard."

Parker's own journey to stardom began at just 12 years old when she landed a role in Disney's live-action remake of Dumbo. She auditioned on a whim and ended up falling in love with acting. Since then, she's gone on to star in Reminiscence and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.

But it's her upcoming role as Astrid that has fans talking. Parker said, "I remember seeing how many views the trailer got, and I was like, 'What is happening?' It feels very personal for everyone who grew up with the animated films." The live-action remake is expected to fly to the top of the box office this Friday, with a projected $80-100 million domestic haul.

In the 2010's How to Train Your Dragon, Astrid, was depicted as a young blonde Viking. 'Some people... really want to see an exact play-by-play of that film,' Parker, who is mixed-race, said of the backlash

And get this - Universal Pictures has already announced a sequel! Parker quipped, "They announced a release date and I was like, 'Well, that's quite soon'!" We can't wait to see what's next for this talented young actress!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW EXCERPTS

On the importance of diversity in media:

Parker is the daughter of Emmy winner Thandiwe Newton , 52, and writer/director Ol Parker, 56; Pictured in London  in March 2019, with sister Ripley, now 23

"When I was younger, there were very few mixed-race or black icons on screen. It felt really minimal compared to what it could be for young people now. And that's really special."

On working with Pedro Pascal:

"He is one of the best people ever. He's as special as you think he would be. I was 16 when we filmed The Last of Us, and it was a weird time in my life. But he was there to support me, and I'm forever grateful."

How to Train Your Dragon, starring Mason Thames, 17, as Hiccup, opens on Friday and is expected to bring in somewhere between $80 million and $100 million over the weekend;  Pictured in Los Angeles on Saturday

STAY TUNED FOR MORE ON THIS STORY!

The live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon hits theaters this Friday, and we can't wait to see how the box office numbers stack up. Will Nico Parker's Astrid bring home the bacon? Only time will tell!

Sources: The London Times, Box Office Pro

Parker will be reprising the role of Astrid. A live-action sequel has already been announced