My Father's Dragon

Behind the Scenes of My Father’s Dragon: How Nora Twomey and Jacob Tremblay Brought the Beloved Story to Life

Netflix’s 2022 animated adventure My Father’s Dragon marked a return to the whimsical, heartfelt storytelling that director Nora Twomey is known for. Based on the classic children’s novel by Ruth Stiles Gannett, the film follows a young boy named Elmer (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) as he embarks on a daring quest to rescue a baby dragon trapped on a mysterious island. With a star-studded cast and Twomey’s signature visual style, latestnetflix.com argues, the project promised a fresh take on a timeless tale—but the behind-the-scenes magic was just as compelling as the on-screen adventure.

A Director’s Passion Project

Nora Twomey, the Irish animator and co-founder of Cartoon Saloon (The Secret of Kells, Wolfwalkers), has long been drawn to stories about courage and connection . My Father’s Dragon was no exception. In interviews, Twomey emphasized the film’s themes of empathy and resilience, particularly in how Elmer and the dragon, Boris (voiced by Gaten Matarazzo), form an unlikely bond. "It’s about two outsiders finding each other," Twomey said in one discussion, highlighting the emotional core of the story . Her approach to animation—blending hand-drawn aesthetics with modern techniques—gave the film a distinct, textured look that set it apart from typical CGI-heavy children’s movies.

Twomey’s collaboration with the cast was key to bringing the characters to life. Jacob Tremblay, who voiced Elmer, described the experience as deeply immersive, noting how Twomey encouraged him to explore the character’s vulnerability. "She wanted Elmer to feel real, not just like a cartoon kid," Tremblay said in an interview, praising Twomey’s ability to balance humor and heart . The director’s hands-on approach extended to the entire cast, including Gaten Matarazzo, who played Boris. The two leads reportedly recorded many of their scenes together, a rarity in animation, which helped their chemistry shine .

Voice Acting: A Star-Studded Collaboration

The film’s ensemble cast brought depth to its supporting characters, from Golshifteh Farahani as Elmer’s determined mother to Rita Moreno and Dianne Wiest as the island’s eccentric inhabitants. But it was the dynamic between Tremblay and Matarazzo that stole the show. The two young actors, both rising stars, shared a playful rapport off-screen, which translated into their characters’ banter. In one interview, Matarazzo joked about how he and Tremblay would improvise lines to make each other laugh during recording sessions . Twomey, however, kept the focus on the story’s emotional beats, ensuring the humor never overshadowed the film’s deeper messages.

The cast’s enthusiasm for the project was evident in their promotional appearances. Tremblay, in particular, spoke passionately about the film’s themes of kindness and bravery, calling it a story that "reminds kids—and adults—that it’s okay to be different" . Meanwhile, Matarazzo, known for his role in Stranger Things, praised the film’s animation style, comparing it to the handcrafted feel of classic Disney films . The chemistry between the cast and crew was a recurring talking point, with Twomey often crediting the actors for elevating the material.

Reception and the Road to Release

Despite its star power and Twomey’s pedigree, My Father’s Dragon received mixed reviews upon its Netflix debut. Critics praised its visuals and voice performances, with SensCritique giving it a 6.3/10 rating, calling it a "charming but uneven" adaptation . Some viewers felt the film’s pacing lagged, while others appreciated its gentle, old-school storytelling. Rotten Tomatoes’ listing, which mentions the cast but doesn’t provide a score, suggests the film’s reception was divisive .

Still, the behind-the-scenes story of My Father’s Dragon offers a glimpse into the collaborative effort that went into the film. From Twomey’s vision to the cast’s dedication, the project was a labor of love for everyone involved. As Tremblay put it in one interview, "It’s the kind of movie that makes you believe in magic—both on and off the screen" .

For fans of Twomey’s work or anyone who loves a good adventure, My Father’s Dragon remains a testament to the power of storytelling—and the teamwork that brings it to life.