As fans continue to mourn Robert Redford’s passing, it’s worth revisiting one of his most heartfelt and underrated performances in Disney’s 2016 remake of Pete’s Dragon — a film that proved remakes can have soul.
It’s been less than two months since the world lost Robert Redford — an actor, filmmaker, and visionary whose impact on Hollywood remains immeasurable. From Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to The Sting and All the President’s Men, Redford wasn’t just a movie star; he was a storyteller who radiated authenticity in every frame. His career was a masterclass in balancing charm, intellect, and compassion — qualities that defined not only his performances but also his contributions behind the camera as an Academy Award-winning director and founder of the Sundance Film Festival.
While many of his classic films are rightly celebrated, one of his most underrated performances came much later in his career — in Disney’s 2016 live-action reimagining of Pete’s Dragon. Directed by David Lowery, this version quietly defied expectations and became one of Disney’s few remakes that truly improved upon the original.
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A Disney Remake with a Soul
In an era where most live-action remakes feel like hollow cash grabs, Pete’s Dragon stands out for its sincerity. Instead of trying to recreate the quirky 1977 musical hybrid, Lowery’s version reimagines the story as a grounded, emotional fairy tale. The film opens with tragedy — young Pete (Oakes Fegley) loses his parents in a car accident and ends up living deep in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. His only companion is a massive, gentle green dragon named Elliot, who becomes both protector and family.
Robert Redford steps into the role of Mr. Meachum, a kind-hearted woodcarver who tells local children tales about the mysterious dragon living in the woods. It’s a quiet, soulful part — one that doesn’t demand spectacle but instead thrives on presence and warmth. Through Meachum’s eyes, the audience senses both wonder and wisdom. He represents the film’s moral compass, bridging myth and reality in a way that feels deeply human.
Interestingly, Redford wasn’t the filmmakers’ first choice. The character was originally written as a quirky eccentric, but director David Lowery reworked the role entirely once he realized what Redford could bring. The decision paid off beautifully — Redford infused Mr. Meachum with genuine heart and humility, turning what could have been a stock character into the emotional anchor of the film.
Lowery’s Vision: Magic Meets Humanity
Co-written by Lowery and Toby Halbrooks, Pete’s Dragon is a masterclass in tone and storytelling. It combines the sense of adventure from How to Train Your Dragon with the heartfelt simplicity of E.T. and the natural beauty of The Iron Giant. Yet, it still feels unique, largely because of Lowery’s poetic filmmaking style — one that emphasizes emotion over spectacle.
Unlike most CGI-heavy blockbusters, this film thrives on atmosphere and quiet moments. The lush forests, golden sunlight, and hauntingly beautiful score create a sense of nostalgia — not for a specific time, but for the innocence of childhood itself. The cast complements this gentle rhythm perfectly, with Bryce Dallas Howard, Wes Bentley, Karl Urban, and Oona Laurence all delivering heartfelt performances. Even Elliot the dragon, brought to life through expressive animation and sound design (voiced by John Kassir), feels alive in a way few digital creatures do.
Redford’s Late-Career Grace
Robert Redford’s portrayal of Mr. Meachum is a reminder of his effortless ability to connect with audiences. He doesn’t need grand speeches or dramatic gestures — just a glance or a half-smile carries decades of experience and empathy. It’s a performance that reflects the man himself: humble, wise, and quietly profound.
His collaboration with Lowery would continue in 2018’s The Old Man and the Gun, where Redford played a charming aging bank robber in what many consider his cinematic farewell. Both films share a tender understanding of aging, kindness, and the fleeting nature of life — themes Redford embodied throughout his career.
Why Pete’s Dragon Still Matters
In a world saturated with overproduced remakes, Pete’s Dragon proves that magic doesn’t come from nostalgia alone — it comes from sincerity. It’s a story about loss, belonging, and the quiet miracles that remind us to believe again. For Disney, it was a rare moment of restraint and emotional honesty. For audiences, it was a chance to rediscover Robert Redford’s timeless grace one last time in a family film that truly had heart.
Final Thought:
As we continue to celebrate Robert Redford’s extraordinary legacy, Pete’s Dragon deserves a place in the conversation. It’s not his most famous role, but it captures everything that made him special — warmth, integrity, and a deep love for storytelling. Watching it today feels like revisiting a gentle goodbye from one of Hollywood’s greatest legends.
You can stream “Pete’s Dragon” now on Disney+.
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