Karl Urban Confirmed For Disney's Pete's Dragon Remake

With Disney marching forward with its remake of ‘Pete’s Dragon’, they’ve added yet another big name to the growing cast, in the shape of ‘Dredd’ star Karl Urban.

According to The Wrap, Urban has boarded the production that’ll be envisioned by ‘Ain’t Them Bodies Saints’ David Lowery, who will both write and direct the feature.

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The news comes after it emerged that Michael C. Hall had pulled out of the project, yet the reason for his departure is still unknown. But the loss of the ‘Dexter’ star means Urban, known recently for his recurring role in JJ Abrams’ ‘Star Trek’ reboot, now joins ranks with Robert Redford and Bryce Dallas Howard.

Based on the 1977 film that sees a young boy befriend a talking (cartoon) dragon named Elliot, the reimagining will reportedly scrap the musical elements and replace the good-dragon-gone-bad story into an environmental one.

The biggest difference, aside from the story and setting alterations, is that the dragon will, predictably, now be completely CGI, whereas the ‘77 family film put a hand-drawn dragon in a real world setting.

Oakes Fegley is the young face to assume the role of Pete, with Wes Bentley also joining the roster, with further cast members to be announced.

'Pete's Dragon' is scheduled for a US release on 12 August, 2016, but currently has no confirmed date for the UK.

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Picture credits: WENN, Disney