Original Matilda Star Oona Laurence Tapped to Lead Pete’s Dragon Remake

Honorary Tony Award winner Oona Laurence has lined up the latest in a string of film projects: the Disney remake of their 1977 film Pete’s Dragon. According to Variety, the former Matilda star will play Natalie, a newly created character who did not appear in the original film. Oakes Fegley will take on the role of Pete. The film will combine live action with CGI effects (because this is the 21st century and a conventionally animated dragon is so 1977). No release date or additional cast has been announced.

Not even yet a teenager, Laurence has made quite the transition from stage to screen. In addition to Pete’s Dragon, she is set to appear in the upcoming indie drama Lamb, as well as Southpaw, I Smile Back and The Grief of Others. She made her Broadway debut in Matilda at the age of 10.

Pete’s Dragon follows a young orphan who, alongside a dragon named Elliott, his only friend and guardian, visit the small fishing town of Passamaquoddy. The original film premiered in 1977 and featured Sean Marshall, Jim Dale, Shelley Winters, Helen Reddy and Mickey Rooney. The song “Candle on the Water” from the film was nominated for an Oscar.