You can count on there being at least one star-making turn out of Sundance where a filmmaker or actor proves their diversity. This year that breakout belonged to David Lowery, who directed one of the most well-received films of the festival with his Malick-esque western, Ain't Them Bodies Saints. He also edited Shane Carruth's Upstream Color and wrote a film that was part of Slamdance. So he was everywhere, and seems to have a bright future ahead of him. Disney must think so, too, as they've hired him to pen a new version of their 1977 family film, Pete's Dragon.
Lowery and writing partner Toby Halbrooks will reinvent the original, a live-action/animation hybrid about a boy who flees his abusive hillbilly parents with the magical dragon only he can see. Disney plans to drop the musical aspect, but that's all we know about it at this stage. Lowery doesn't look to be directing it, either, at least not at this point. Things could always change, and it wouldn't be surprising if Disney went that route. They recently hired unknown indie director Colin Trevorrow for a Flight of the Navigator remake.
Truth: As a child I learned to read largely thanks to Pete's Dragon. Besides watching the movie until the VHS tape wore out, there was a book version that came with a narrative album, so kids like me could follow along. So this is an important part of my childhood, and I'm curious to see where Lowery takes it. As for Ain't Them Bodies Saints, it hits theaters in August, and you can check out my review of it here. [Deadline]
