12 Amazing Facts About Pete's Dragon You’ll Love

On November 3, 1977, Pete's Dragon premiered in theaters nationwide. Despite its initial box office struggles, the film has become a cherished favorite for audiences who grew up with Pete and Elliott. Celebrate its 40th anniversary with these fascinating tidbits about the Disney gem.

1. THE VOICE OF ELLIOTT WAS BROUGHT TO LIFE BY COMEDIAN CHARLIE CALLAS.

Charlie Callas, a comedian famed for his expressive facial antics, paved the way for performers like Jim Carrey.

2. HELEN REDDY TOOK ON HER FIRST MAJOR FILM ROLE IN THIS MOVIE.

Working alongside an invisible dragon might seem daunting, especially for a newcomer to the film industry, but Helen Reddy found the experience delightful. “I only shared one actual scene with the dragon," she said, "and during rehearsals, I practiced with a latex model of his head to get a sense of his size and movements for filming.”

3. REDDY’S POWERFUL BALLAD EARNED AN OSCAR NOMINATION.

Reddy's heartfelt song, "Candle on the Water," was up for Best Original Song but was surpassed by “You Light Up My Life.”

4. DON BLUTH WAS IN CHARGE OF BRINGING ELLIOTT TO LIFE THROUGH ANIMATION.

The production was infamous for demanding extensive overtime, and a few years after Pete's Dragon debuted, animator Don Bluth departed Disney. He later animated and directed acclaimed films like The Secret of NIMH (1982), An American Tail (1986), The Land Before Time (1988), and All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989), among others.

5. CALIFORNIA STOOD IN FOR MAINE.

Though the film appears to be set in Maine, neither the cast nor crew filmed in the Pine Tree State. Scenic shots were captured at Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch in Canyon Country, California, while the Passamaquoddy town square and wharf were built on the Disney Burbank Studio lot, partially repurposing an old Western set. Even the harbor was a custom-built set.

6. SEAN MARSHALL HAD NO PRIOR ACTING EXPERIENCE.

Despite this, he outperformed hundreds of other children auditioning for the role of Pete. “I believe Disney always favored a natural approach,” he remarked.

7. MARSHALL EXCELLED AS AN ALL-AMERICAN POLE VAULTER DURING HIS COLLEGE YEARS. 

He partly credits his athletic achievements to his involvement in the film, noting that the training he underwent for the role, including ballet, enhanced his athletic abilities.

8. THE LIGHTHOUSE BEACON HAD AN IMPRESSIVE RANGE.

The lighthouse belonging to Nora and Lampie featured an authentic lighthouse lens and a wickstand capable of producing a beacon visible from 18 to 24 miles away. Built on California's Morro Bay, Disney had to secure approval from the U.S. Coast Guard to operate the lamp. Although there were intentions to relocate the lighthouse to Disneyland, it was ultimately too damaged to move.

9. MICKEY ROONEY AND RED BUTTONS IMPROVISED SEVERAL SCENES.

The sequence where Mickey Rooney and Red Buttons stumble drunkenly toward the cave to encounter Elliott became a major improvisation session, with both comedians competing to deliver the funniest physical gags. “The director told us, ‘That was incredible, but we can’t keep a 20-minute scene of you two wandering through the cave. We need to reshoot it,’” Marshall remembered.

10. THE MOVIE UNDERPERFORMED AT THE BOX OFFICE.

The film grossed just $18 million domestically, falling short of Disney’s expectations. The studio had anticipated a success similar to another live-action and animation hybrid—Mary Poppins.

11. THE SODIUM VAPOR PROCESS WAS EMPLOYED TO BLEND ANIMATION WITH LIVE ACTION.

Developed by Ub Iwerks, the co-creator of Mickey Mouse, this technique utilized a camera equipped with a prism that isolated the sodium vapor lights from other colors. This cast a yellow light onto the screen behind the actor, which could later be removed, allowing any background to be inserted in its place.

12. A HIDDEN GOOFY YELL CAN BE FOUND IN THE MOVIE.

It occurs when Dr. Terminus (Jim Dale) accidentally launches himself with a harpoon. Pay attention at the 1:13 mark to catch it.