FINDING HER
POWER
The trilogy’s female lead on her transformation into a Viking warrior, dragon rider and role model.
Reprint from "The Art of How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World." Dark Horse Books™
By America Ferrera
Eleven years ago, I met, and then became, Astrid Hofferson. A blond-haired, blue-eyed Viking. And that, to me, is one of the awesome things about animation; worlds are created that require audiences to completely suspend their disbelief, worlds in which everything is possible, worlds where a brown-eyed, brown-haired, Honduran-American valley girl can be a dragon-riding Viking.
For as long as I can remember, I have always had a passion for telling great stories, and I believe that the power of storytelling has the ability to unite us, making us realize that at our core, we’re all the same.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to play strong, empowered characters, and Astrid is no different. But what I didn’t expect in this trilogy was that I would be able to see this character literally grow up before our very eyes.
"As an actor, I relish the opportunity to spend years with a character and grow alongside her. For the most part, that only happens in television and the rare case in a live-action film franchise, so to have this happen in the "Dragon” trilogy has been an unexpected and extraordinary experience."
- America Ferrera
Dean DeBlois and all the artists have brought this trilogy to completion with such care and passion. I watch these films and I marvel at the nuances in the story and the animation that brings these characters and worlds to life.
When I watch the story unfold, I forget that I’m watching animation... I’m completely lost in the characters’ journeys, which is a testament to storytelling in animation and how it can transcend the preconceived notions that animation is a genre, or just for kids. It’s not. It’s simply a medium, another way to tell a great story.
I have watched Astrid’s character transform from a tough model Viking ready to be the best dragonslayer in all of Berk, into a compassionate young woman, able to stand alongside Hiccup, ruling Berk, with her own opinions and ideals. All the while remaining fiercely capable and independent.
Astrid — and of course Hiccup, Toothless, and Stormfly — will always hold a special place in my heart. Looking back, I think what has struck me the most is what a positive role model Astrid has become for young girls and boys. For them to see a strong female character, whose opinions are valued and trusted, means the world to me and for that, I will forever be grateful to the filmmakers for bringing Astrid to life and for allowing me to be a part of the incredible world of "How to Train Your Dragon." I am a card-carrying fan of this epic trilogy and feel so proud and honored to have been part of this journey.
