As The Movie Dweeb, I’ve had my fair share of wonderfully unhinged interviews, but nothing quite prepared me for the moment Nico Parker had a cinematic epiphany right in front of me. While chatting with Nico and her How to Train Your Dragon co-star Mason Thames, I jokingly pointed out that she has a knack for starring in live-action remakes of animated classics featuring airborne animals, following Dumbo and How to Train Your Dragon.

When I asked which animated film she’d like to see reimagined next, with her in the lead, naturally, she tossed around Hercules at first. But then, with a sudden gasp and the sort of eye-widening only Tim Burton fans truly understand, she blurted out: Corpse Bride. And just like that, the energy in the room shifted.

“This would be the one. I would want to do that, actually,” she said, eyes practically glowing. Mason was shocked by how awake she suddenly looked. Apparently, all it takes is a touch of gothic whimsy to fire her up. No caffeine necessary.

So… What Is Corpse Bride?

Released in 2005, Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride is a stop-motion animated dark fantasy romance directed by Burton and Mike Johnson. Set in a gloomy Victorian town, it follows Victor (voiced by Johnny Depp), a shy groom who accidentally proposes to a deceased bride named Emily (voiced by Helena Bonham Carter) while rehearsing his wedding vows in the woods. Classic mix-up.

The film was praised for its hauntingly beautiful animation, Danny Elfman’s score, and its balance of macabre charm with genuine emotion. It earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature and has since cemented itself as a gothic cult classic. If any film was made for a live-action retelling (especially with Nico Parker’s expressive presence and ethereal screen style) it’s this one.

From the Land of the Dead to the Land of Dragons

Of course, I wasn’t chatting with Nico and Mason just to hear her pitch a future Burton reboot. They’re currently promoting How to Train Your Dragon, the upcoming live-action adaptation of DreamWorks’ beloved animated franchise. In the film, Mason stars as Hiccup, the underdog Viking who befriends a Night Fury dragon named Toothless, and Nico takes on the role of Astrid, the fiercely independent warrior-in-training.

The pair teased their dynamic, shared sweet anecdotes, and even got reunited with a certain scaled friend during our chat. (Let’s just say Toothless may or may not have made an appearance). The chemistry between them was natural, the energy infectious, and it’s clear they’re bringing fresh life to Berk and beyond.

The Legacy of the Original How to Train Your Dragon

First released in 2010, the original How to Train Your Dragon was a game-changer for DreamWorks Animation. Based on the book series by Cressida Cowell, the film introduced audiences to Hiccup and Toothless, and quickly soared into our hearts. It spawned two sequels (in 2014 and 2019), multiple TV series, and a devout fanbase.

With stunning visuals, epic world-building, and one of the most heart-wrenching scores in animated film history, the trilogy was universally acclaimed and has a near-mythical status in the world of family adventure films. That’s why the upcoming live-action version has fans both excited and cautious… But with Nico and Mason on board, things are looking promising.

Nico Parker: A Rising Star With a Taste for Adaptations

Nico Parker may still be early in her career, but she’s already building a filmography full of impressive roles. She made her debut as the wide-eyed Milly Farrier in Disney’s live-action Dumbo (directed by, you guessed it, Tim Burton), showcasing a quiet strength and emotional depth beyond her years.

Then came her jaw-dropping turn as Sarah in HBO’s The Last of Us, where her performance in the series’ very first episode left a serious impact. Add to that her casting as Astrid in How to Train Your Dragon, and it’s clear she’s no stranger to iconic roles, especially when there’s a legacy (or a flying animal) involved.

With her dream of doing a live-action Corpse Bride now out in the universe, who knows? Maybe one day we’ll see Nico don Emily’s tattered bridal gown, singing eerily beautiful ballads in a graveyard. And when that happens, just remember: you heard it here first.

Watch the full interview with Nico Parker and Mason Thames on my YouTube channel, The Movie Dweeb, for more dragons, dreams, and delightful chaos.