Netflix has released the first official trailer for their upcoming animated film My Father’s Dragon, following up on an April teaser image. The trailer for this film adaptation of Ruth Stiles Gannett’s book of the same name promises a fun new adventure that the whole family can enjoy. The trailer begins with a voiceover narration as someone relates the story of their father, Elmer. Viewers note that while Elmer tends to be a generally cheerful youngster, he encounters his own obstacles. Soon after, he’s transported to a fantasy island where he meets and bonds with a dragon named Boris.
The trailer does a great job of setting the stage for the film’s colourful and fantastical universe, showing off some of the characters (including Boris and Elmer) and the locations they’ll see along the way. It features many sceneries, each with its own palette. The teaser hints at a movie with a comforting message that viewers of all ages may appreciate, in addition to its beautiful aesthetics. As it plays out some of the beats of the tale, audiences watch how Boris and Elmer rapidly befriend and support one another every step of the way.
It holds an adventurous attitude and underlines Elmer’s surprise at the new universe in which he finds himself. The teaser also reveals the movie won’t shy away from difficult scenes, while yet keeping its fundamental tone. My Father’s Dragon features a star-studded voice cast that includes Gaten Matarazzo, Jacob Tremblay, Whoopi Goldberg, Rita Moreno, Chris O’Dowd, Dianne Wiest, Judy Greer, Alan Cumming, Golshifteh Farahani, Yara Shahidi, Jackie Earle Haley, Adam Brody, Charlene Yi, Leighton Meester, Mary Kay Place, Spence Moore II, Maggie Lincoln, Jack Smith, and Ian McShane. The film is from the animation company Cartoon Saloon, which has created important titles such as Wolfwalkers, Song of the Sea, and The Secret of Kells.
The screenplay was written by Meg LeFauve (Inside Out) and directed by Nora Twomey (The Breadwinner) (The Breadwinner). Executive producers include LeFauve, John Morgan, Gerry Shirren and Tomm Moore of Cartoon Saloon, and Alan Moloney and Ruth Coady of Parallel Films. Paul Young produces for Cartoon Saloon, with Julie Lynn and Bonnie Curtis producing for Mockingbird Pictures.
Before, Twomey made the following declaration: “As a kid, I was captivated by tales told, and I find that Netflix does a fantastic job of highlighting the many forms of storytelling and the many voices who tell them. This experience has allowed me to see the world from a new and breathtaking perspective, and I can’t wait to share my findings with our global audience.”
On November 11, Netflix will debut My Father’s Dragon.