Unlike many Disney remakes that closely follow their animated originals, Pete’s Dragon took only the core idea — a boy and his dragon — and built an entirely new story around it. Director David Lowery wanted to craft a heartfelt, timeless fantasy instead of a musical like the 1977 version.

Originally, the role of Mr. Meachum was written as a quirky old man full of tall tales. But after meeting Redford, Lowery reworked the script to match the actor’s calm, wise demeanor. The rewrite gave the character emotional depth — transforming him into the compassionate storyteller who ties the film together.

Although the story takes place in the Pacific Northwest, Pete’s Dragon was filmed almost entirely in New Zealand. The breathtaking natural scenery helped the movie achieve its warm, magical tone and enhanced the feeling of being lost in a fairy-tale forest.

Elliot’s design combined elements from dogs, cats, and bears to make him feel more relatable and emotionally expressive. He doesn’t talk in this version, unlike the 1977 original — making his bond with Pete more visual and heartfelt.

Following their collaboration on Pete’s Dragon, Redford reunited with Lowery for The Old Man and the Gun (2018). That film became Redford’s final on-screen performance before retirement, symbolically closing his legendary Hollywood journey with the same quiet grace he brought to Mr. Meachum.