How to Train Your Dragon

Summary

Pop Culture Happy Hour: Exploring the Live-Action "How to Train Your Dragon" Remake

Episode Title: How to Train Your Dragon
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Hosts: Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Stephen Thompson, Aisha Harris
Guests: Regina Barber (Host and Reporter for NPR’s Science Podcast Shortwave), Jordan Morris (Writer and Co-host of Jordan Jesse Go and Free With Ads)

---

Introduction to the Remake

Stephen Thompson opens the discussion by highlighting Disney's success with remaking animated classics and notes DreamWorks' entry into this trend with their live-action remake of "How to Train Your Dragon". He describes the movie as "full of epic battles, majestic countrysides, and, of course, dragons galore" (00:50).

Background: The original "How to Train Your Dragon" (2010) animated film follows Hiccup, a reluctant dragon trainer, and his bond with a wounded dragon named Toothless. DreamWorks' remake mirrors the original's plot but transitions from animation to live-action, featuring Mason Thames as Hiccup and Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoic, Hiccup’s father.

---

Initial Reactions to the Remake

Jordan Morris expresses his appreciation for the original animated trilogy, stating, “I’m a fan of these movies. I'm a fan of the animated trilogy. I think I've seen them all, probably” (02:15). However, he voices skepticism about the necessity of a live-action remake, questioning, “why are we doing this? Why are we remaking these animated movies in live action?” (02:38).

Regina Barber echoes similar sentiments, comparing the shot-for-shot remake to a high school production imitating a Broadway show. She remarks, “I don't know why anyone who liked the animation would wanna watch this, but if you haven't watched the animation, it's an okay movie” (03:28).

---

Creative and Technical Aspects

The hosts delve into the technical execution of the remake. Stephen Thompson shares his personal enjoyment of the film despite initial reservations, attributing it to his love for the story and characters: “I enjoyed it enormously. Because I love this story. I love the original film. I love these characters. I love the dragons” (05:10).

Jordan Morris comments on the live-action effect, comparing it to watching “a different kind of animation” and suggesting that incorporating puppetry akin to "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" might have been more effective: “Have some Henson puppets… that seems like that’s the creative reason to do it in live action” (06:10).

Regina Barber discusses the uncanny valley effect, noting the difficulty in integrating humans with CGI dragons seamlessly: “They’re just putting people into the animated movie and it just seemed very uncanny” (06:43).

---

Narrative and Storytelling Critique

The panel critiques the narrative choices in the remake. Stephen Thompson points out the longer runtime compared to the animated version: “the animated film managed to tell this story in under an hour and 40 minutes, whereas this movie is more than two hours” (09:23). He suggests that the added length results from the necessity to explain more details due to the realistic portrayal.

Regina Barber highlights the changes in specific scenes, such as the alteration from a "catnip scene" to a "dandelion scene," and questions the necessity of these changes: “Why did they get rid of the catnip scene, too? They changed the catnip scene to be this dandelion scene” (11:20).

---

Character and Performance Analysis

The casting choices receive mixed reviews. Regina Barber feels that Mason Thames, who plays Hiccup, appears too generic: “he just seemed so generic to me, like a TV movie” (12:36). Jordan Morris agrees, noting a lack of comedic timing compared to the original voice actors who were "comedy pros": “they are acting like they’re in a Netflix YA show” (13:10).

Despite these criticisms, there's acknowledgment of some positive aspects. Regina Barber praises the film’s commitment to colorblind casting, appreciating the inclusive portrayal of characters: “And I was like, great. They explained it. Let’s move on” (14:44).

---

Conclusion on the Live-Action Trend

Steven Thompson concludes by expressing a nuanced view: while the remake doesn’t offer a new story, it succeeds in delivering an enjoyable experience for fans of the original. However, he remains puzzled by the ongoing trend of remaking animated films into live-action, suggesting it's primarily a financial decision rather than a creative one: “I just wish they would stop making them” (15:30).

---

What's Making Us Happy This Week

Jordan Morris recommends the comic book "The Last Mermaid" by Derek Kirk Kim, praising its unique one-sentence pitch and beautiful, mostly wordless storytelling: “It’s called the Last Mermaid by Derek Kirk Kim and it’s great” (18:02).

Regina Barber shares her joy in watching the new season of "The Amazing Race", highlighting her family's enjoyment and the show's ability to bring them together: “We all watched it as a family and the whole time we’re just like, you know, picking our favorites” (19:14).

Stephen Thompson shines a spotlight on the emerging artist Anastasia, commending her versatile album "Tether" and her standout track "Overflow": “That is what is making me happy” (19:27).

---

Key Takeaways and Insights

1. Live-Action vs. Animation: The transition from animation to live-action in beloved franchises raises questions about creativity versus financial motivations. While some enjoy the new rendition, others feel it lacks originality and essential storytelling elements present in the animated versions.

2. Technical Execution: Balancing CGI and practical effects remains challenging. Effective integration, as seen in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," is rare in live-action remakes, leading to mixed audience reactions.

3. Narrative Depth vs. Runtime: Live-action adaptations often extend the story’s duration, potentially diluting the original’s impact by adding unnecessary scenes or explanations.

4. Casting and Character Portrayal: Authentic character representation and capturing the original's spirit are critical. Casting choices that appear generic or fail to capture the original’s comedic essence can detract from the film’s reception.

5. Positive Developments: Initiatives like colorblind casting, when thoughtfully integrated into storytelling, enhance inclusivity and enrich the narrative without detracting from the story’s core.

6. Audience Engagement: Despite criticisms, fans of the original series can find joy and value in live-action remakes, especially when core messages and beloved characters are preserved.

---

Notable Quotes

• Stephen Thompson (05:10): “I enjoyed it enormously. Because I love this story. I love the original film. I love these characters. I love the dragons.”

• Jordan Morris (02:38): “Why are we doing this? Why are we remaking these animated movies in live action?”

• Regina Barber (03:28): “I don't know why anyone who liked the animation would wanna watch this, but if you haven't watched the animation, it's an okay movie.”

• Regina Barber (14:44): “And I was like, great. They explained it. Let’s move on.”

• Stephen Thompson (15:30): “I just wish they would stop making them.”

---

Conclusion

This episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour offers a comprehensive critique of the live-action remake of "How to Train Your Dragon," balancing admiration for its storytelling with skepticism about the broader trend of remaking animated classics. The hosts and guests provide a nuanced perspective, advocating for creative originality over financial convenience, while still acknowledging the enjoyment such remakes can offer to dedicated fans.

---

For more discussions and recommendations, follow Pop Culture Happy Hour on Facebook and Letterboxd. Subscribe to the Pop Culture Happy Hour newsletter for additional content.

Transcript

[Progressive Insurance]

This message comes from Progressive Insurance. Progressive makes it easy to see if you could save when you bundle your home and auto policies. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states.

[Stephen Thompson]

Disney has been remaking its animated classics for years to great financial success. Lilo and Stitch has been dominating the box office for weeks now, and so it's no surprise that DreamWorks is now getting in on the action with a remake of how to Train youn Dragon. It's full of epic battles, majestic countrysides, and, of course, dragons galore. I'm Stephen Thompson. Joining me today on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour is Regina Barber. She's a host and reporter for NPR's science podcast Shortwave. Hey, Regina.

[Regina Barber]

Hey, Stephen.

[Stephen Thompson]

Also with us is Jordan Morris. He's a writer and the co host of the podcasts Jordan Jesse Go and free with ads. Hey, Jordan.

[Jordan Morris]

Hey. It's good to be here.

[Stephen Thompson]

It is a pleasure to have you both. So if your memory doesn't extend all the way back to the bygone days of 2010, how to train youn Dragon was a hugely successful animated film about a boy named Hiccup. He's the son of a fierce Viking leader named Stoic, and in typical animated movie fashion, Hiccup doesn't want to follow in his father's footsteps, which in this case would mean protecting his remote island home from marauding dragons. Hiccup is more of an artistic inventor type, which puts him at odds with not only his father, but, well, Alex, everyone. Soon, Hiccup finds a wounded dragon he names Toothless and learns that killing dragons isn't so necessary after all. Both the live action and animated movie versions of how to Train youn Dragon tell essentially identical stories, which are adaptations of a book series. Both feature Gerard Butler as Hiccup's father, Stoic writer director Dean De Bloa also co wrote and co directed the original animated how to Train youn Dragon. So the primary difference, besides the notably longer runtime, is that animation has given way to live action, with Mason Thames taking on the role of Hiccup. I don't want to fight dragons. Come on.

[NPR Sponsor]

Yes, you do.

[Stephen Thompson]

No, let me rephrase. I can't kill dragons. But you will. The new version is in theaters now. Jordan, I'm going to start with you. What did you think of how to Train youn Dragon?

[Jordan Morris]

Yes, I'm a fan of these movies. I'm a fan of the animated trilogy. I think I've seen them all, probably.

[Stephen Thompson]

All on planes to truly capture the scope and majesty.

[Regina Barber]

That's how you know you love them. They feel so much better then, right?

[Jordan Morris]

I just want to make sure that I cry. I want to make sure that I. I cry so I get that altitude. I'm in the pocket for these because I am a cat weirdo.

[Stephen Thompson]

Oh, me too, bud.

[Regina Barber]

Oh, same.

[Stephen Thompson]

Oh, my God. We're with Regina Barber.

[Regina Barber]

Yeah, four cats.

[Stephen Thompson]

Biggest cat weirdo at npr.

[Jordan Morris]

If my cat bug is listening. Hi, honey. Daddy loves you. And the dragon, the main dragon in this, Toothless, is very cat coded. It acts like a cat. It has cat mannerisms. So I'm in the pocket. I love these. Yeah. So I like this story and I like these characters, but it is just very hard not to watch this movie without asking the question, why? Why are we doing this? Why are we remaking these animated movies in live action? Basically, shot for shot? I like the characters, I like the world. But it was tough not to be distracted by the question of why am I watching this?

[Stephen Thompson]

So it's a live action remake of an animated film is what you're saying? Yes, I feel like that's the process. Every time we convene to talk about a remake of an animated film is like, why? Why?

[Regina Barber]

Because it's shot for shot. It makes me think of like a high school doing, like cabaret or something. Like, we don't go to a high school to watch like a Broadway show and be like, this is where it's gonna be good. You know what I mean? Like, why? I watched the animated movie a few years after I didn't see it in the theaters a few years after it came out, and I saw it with my daughter and we really liked it. And I think it was like a near perfect animated, you know, like, it was quick, it was clear, it was emotional. I don't know why anyone who liked the animation would wanna watch this, but if you haven't watched the animation, it's an okay movie.

[Jordan Morris]

And especially with this property, right? Like, it's in a world that has a rich history. You can tell the humans and the dragons have been fighting for centuries. There's obviously, like, room to tell the story after the last animated movie. So it is weird. Like, if you wanted to make a live action one of these, not to just tell a different story in the world, I mean, obviously, I think the answer is, we know this movie worked once, so it'll probably work again. So it's just an easier financial bet for people. But just, like, creatively I would wanna see a live action story. Set in this world. It just felt pointless to watch the same one over again.

[Regina Barber]

A different story.

[Stephen Thompson]

Yeah. There is a sense, like, write a new story. This is a pretty rich vein of storytelling. I liked all three animated films. I'm kind of left posing that same question of why now. At the same time, I had the experience watching this film. I watched it on a giant IMAX screen. I was sitting there like, this is such a great story. These are such great characters. I think, Jordan, you hit the nail on the head. The fact that the dragon is cat coded does lead me to love it more.

[Jordan Morris]

It might be a Rorschach dragon where no matter what pet you have, you see your pet. Maybe the bird. Weirdos see it as a big bird.

[Stephen Thompson]

It's like a big ferret with wings.

[Progressive Insurance]

Yeah.

[Regina Barber]

The writer actually said he did focus dragons to be cat coded. This is lore.

[Stephen Thompson]

So at the same time that we're sitting here and kind of vexed by this question of why, right?

[NPR Sponsor]

Yeah.

[Stephen Thompson]

At the same time, I watched this film and I enjoyed it enormously. Why did I enjoy it enormously? Because I love this story. I love the original film. I love these characters. I love the dragons. I love the message. I think the message of this film that we should take a step back and consider nonviolent approaches to the challenges we face, is a really powerful one and a really poignant one. And I find these films very poignant that way. I've watched a lot of these live action remakes. We say live action, but there is so much cgi.

[Jordan Morris]

Yeah. It does almost feel like it's just. You're watching a different kind of. Of animation.

[Stephen Thompson]

Totally.

[Jordan Morris]

I've got an old guy take here, if you would permit.

[Stephen Thompson]

One Would I turn down an old guy take?

[Jordan Morris]

That would be pretty hypocritical of you. I realize, you know, how cool would this have been with some Henson puppets? You know, like, that seems like that's the creative reason to do it in live action. Right? Like, have a tangible, touchable thing instead of just. Yeah.

[Stephen Thompson]

So I should clarify. They did use some puppetry. It's kind of a mix of puppetry and cgi, but frankly, to my eyes, it all looks like cgi. Yeah.

[Regina Barber]

This made me think. Just watching the trailers made me think of who Framed Roger Rabbit.

[Jordan Morris]

Oh, yeah.

[Regina Barber]

And it made me think about how the original was cg. It was, you know, so like, they're just putting people into the animated movie and it just seemed very uncanny. Valley and it just seemed very, like, weird. And I feel like if you're gonna do something live action. I agree with you. I didn't even think of the puppets, but, like, who Framed Roger Rabbit Was good because one, it was an original story. They were completely different. It was like 2D animation and people. It was very clear that it was two different things. And this is like, I don't know, they're too close. And it's too close to, like just inserting humans into an animated movie. I didn't like that part.

[Jordan Morris]

There are some videos of like, I think it's at Universal Studios. There are like, they've dressed up some of those brobots to look like Toothless and some of the other dragons.

[Regina Barber]

Yeah. Oh, I've seen it.

[Jordan Morris]

And they walk around the park and they look so cool. And it's like. I don't know. Should. Could that have been the approach to remaking this? Like, have physical, tangible things? I don't know. It seems like if that was the pitch, I'd be more likely to go along with it.

[Stephen Thompson]

Yeah, I mean, I think sometimes you get a sense when you're watching these films that you're just watching, like tech demonstrations. And I've had that reaction to some kind of later period Pixar movies where, like, this movie exists to show me that you know how to animate water better. But you're not necessarily bothering to tell me a great story. I agree with what you're saying, and I'm glad you brought up who Framed Roger Rabbit, Regina, because there examples of like, early special effects driven properties, you know, that are now 40 years old but still look state of the art because that technology is deployed really creatively. The video for Aha's take on me still looks amazing to me because it's creative.

[Jordan Morris]

Safe place for old guy takes.

[Stephen Thompson]

You want an old guy take? Let's talk about Aha. You know, that element of this film, you know, the fact that it quote, unquote, looks better or it looks more realistic or, you know, it incorporates the, you know, these effects that they. Maybe they didn't have access to all of this effects technology 15 in the olden days of 2010. It's not necessarily deploying those effects to any creative end beyond making a recreation of an existing movie.

[Regina Barber]

Yeah.

[Stephen Thompson]

The feeling I had over and over again watching this film was, wow, this cover band kicks ass. At some point, you do, as a viewer, need to sort of take a step back and okay, what is this trying to do? What is the creative swing here? What are they aiming for? And what they're aiming to do is create a live action recreation of an animated movie. Basically, it's if you love how to Train youn Dragon but Hate animation, or.

[Regina Barber]

You think animation is too childish.

[Stephen Thompson]

To me, I think that's completely ridiculous because animation is incredible, right? And the animated film managed to tell this story in under an hour and 40 minutes, whereas this movie is more than two hours.

[Regina Barber]

It's so much longer for no reason, scene by scene, yet still longer.

[Jordan Morris]

It is a weird time vortex, isn't it? It feels like the exact same movie, but longer. I haven't seen the original in a minute, but I'm kind of struggling to remember, like, what was added.

[Stephen Thompson]

There are a few scenes that are added. There are also just scenes that take longer, you know, and some of these battle sequences are definitely fleshed out, you know, where you're able to shorthand some things with animation that you kind of just in of sheer physics wind up having to kind of put more on the screen. You know, Regina could explain the physics far better than I could.

[Regina Barber]

It's basically like in animation, things are so simplified. I think there's fewer things on the screen. So you can actually tell a story and you can kind of have the viewer focus on something that's happening. But when something is more realistic, I think there's too much going on too, that you actually have to put in actual words, like dialogue to explain what you're seeing. I think that's what's happening too. But I agree with Stephen. Like, if you want something to look like it's actual real world physics, you probably do have to add in some more movement and stuff like that. And that's probably gonna take time and.

[Jordan Morris]

You know, maybe worth talking about the source material a little bit. I agree with you, Steven. I do love the message of this movie, and I think it's a really great message for now. And I think that's maybe a good argument for, like, why put this movie out again? The, like, empathy and the kind of, like, get to know the thing that you fear rather than attack it. It is great. And, you know, it is a movie where the main character's asking the question, why do we have to kill dragons? The third act is killing a big dragon.

[Stephen Thompson]

Well, that dragon needed to be killed, Jordan.

[Jordan Morris]

That's right. Yeah. Understand all dragons except one. That is bad.

[Regina Barber]

You know, why did they get rid of the catnip scene, too? They changed the catnip scene to be this dandelion scene. And I was like, was that too close to, like.

[Stephen Thompson]

Right? Yeah. I mean, I think they saw an opportunity to create a beautiful visual like, this kind of field of dandelion spores was really lovely. And I really looked at it like, oh, that's a very pretty scene. I could see a still of that and be like, oh, what a beautiful shot.

[Regina Barber]

Okay.

[Stephen Thompson]

You know, because it's the same kind of writer director revisiting this. You know, there's one thing that I was kind of seeing recurring in interviews with him where he's talking about, like, I just saw opportunities to flesh some things out. I saw opportunities to make it a deeper, richer story. And obviously he's trying to sell you on this new project, but I'm sure that in 15 years he's thought to, oh, I should have done that with dandelion spores is probably what's happening there.

[Regina Barber]

I have a question. Have either of you read the books? Because I haven't, and I didn't know if the books were like, scene for scene to the animated movie.

[Stephen Thompson]

It's loosely adapted from the books.

[Regina Barber]

So why didn't they do the live action? Related more to the book then? And then it's like the world, and it would have been more interesting.

[Jordan Morris]

Oh, yeah, That's a kind of a good reason to remake it. Yeah, you're right.

[Stephen Thompson]

They certainly could have found a different approach to the material than just retelling it accurately.

[Regina Barber]

I just want to make the comment that, like, I know they picked the main guy because he, like, he seems very hiccup. Like, and he looks like hiccup.

[Stephen Thompson]

You're talking about Mason Thames.

[Regina Barber]

Yeah, Mason Thames. They picked Mason Thames because, you know, he looked like Hiccup. Maybe he sounds like Hiccup, but for me, it really, really felt like High School musical Disney, generic guy that goes in there. No, you know, shade to him. He did his best, but, like, it just seemed so generic to me, like a TV movie.

[Jordan Morris]

I felt similarly. I think the new ca. They're all good actors. Charm to spare on everybody.

[Regina Barber]

Yeah, agreed.

[Jordan Morris]

I felt like they did not nail the comedy. I think this is a very funny script. And, like, you really realize that those original voice actors were all comedy pros. Right? It's America Ferreira. It's Kristen Wiig. It's Jay Baruchell. Like, people who know how to juice a joke. You know, the new kids are good and they're charming, but, like, they are acting like they're in a Netflix YA show where they're all werewolves or have terminal illnesses or something. I don't know what those are about, but, yeah, it does seem like everybody's kind of in the wrong movie, especially when it comes to the comedy.

[Stephen Thompson]

So you're not clamoring for more DreamWorks movies to be remade as live action. You don't want to see a live action Shrek. You don't want a live action Kung Fu Panda. You don't want a live action B movie.

[Regina Barber]

Shrek has a musical. I will say I did. You know, Steven, we saw each other for Minecraft and I actually did like that. But that wasn't word for word. That was in a new world. Oh, boy. And it was ridiculous. And everyone was committed to the ridiculousness.

[Stephen Thompson]

That's why you hire Jack Black. You want commitment to the bit.

[Regina Barber]

And Jason Momoa.

[Jordan Morris]

I have not seen that movie, but I gather the story is like real humans enter video game. And it's like that has a reason to be half live action, half. As did Roger Rabbit.

[Regina Barber]

Exactly.

[Jordan Morris]

The best story reason to use that tech. Right. As opposed to just like, we wanna redo a movie and make more money. It's like, yeah, I think there is a world where you can have these humans in these animated worlds and it will look cool and make sense story wise. But yeah, this just didn't have.

[Regina Barber]

I do wanna say one thing I did like about the movie.

[Jordan Morris]

Oh, please.

[Regina Barber]

There's colorblind casting. And they actually explained why that was. And they were like, look, there's all these people from all over the world. And we all settled here together to like defeat these dragons. And I was like, great. They explained it. Let's move on.

[Jordan Morris]

Yeah. In one line too. I also appreciated that because you knew that's. You know, I imagine that could be something people would complain about online. And they're just like, here is a story reason for this.

[Regina Barber]

Yeah.

[Jordan Morris]

And. Yeah, and it totally does make the movie better. I like seeing like all kinds of Vikings in the little Viking town. It was very cool.

[Stephen Thompson]

I thought it was a very good cover band.

[Regina Barber]

I agree with you. Out of all the live action things I've seen, I think it's one of the better ones. I just don't know why.

[Stephen Thompson]

I gotta say, it's maybe my favorite live action remake that I have seen yet.

[Regina Barber]

Mine's Cinderella.

[Stephen Thompson]

Yeah. I just wish they would stop making them.

[Jordan Morris]

I hadn't seen any of them. This was my first one, so.

[Stephen Thompson]

Oh, well, the bar has been set higher than.

[Regina Barber]

Yeah, don't watch any other ones.

[Stephen Thompson]

Most of these movies will clear. All right, well, we want to know what you think about how to Train youn Dragon. Find us on [e-mail] PCHH and on [e-mail] NPRpopculture. We'll have a link in our episode description up next what is making us happy this week?

[NPR Sponsor]

This message comes from Redfin. With the Redfin app, you'll know the moment your next place hits the market. Whether you're looking to buy your dream home or rent a sweet apartment, give Redfin your gotta have it wish list of property features and you'll receive real time notifications tailored just for you. Ready to see it up close and personal. Scheduling a tour is just a tap away. Don't wait to find your perfect match. Download the Redfin app and start searching today.

[Progressive Insurance]

This message comes from Thuma. Create your oasis with Thuma, a modern design company that specializes in furniture and home goods by stripping away everything but the essential. Thuma makes elevated beds with premium materials and intentional detail with clean lines, subtle curves and minimalist style. The Thuma Bed Collection is available in four signature finishes to match any design aesthetic. To get $100 towards your first bed purchase, go to T H U M.

[NPR Sponsor]

A CO NPR this message comes from Strawberry Me. You've worked hard to get where you are, but what's next? Strawberry Me Career coaching helps professionals like you take the next big step with confidence by matching you with a certified career coach who understands your goals challenges. This isn't just advice, it's a personalized, results driven approach to uncover hidden strengths, overcome obstacles and accelerate your career growth. Visit Strawberry Me NPR to claim your.

[Progressive Insurance]

$50 credit support for NPR's Climate Solutions Week. Rethinking Home comes from the Nature Conservancy. People from all walks of life depend on nature for the food they eat, the water they drink and the air they breathe. For strengthening their communities, powering their livelihoods and safeguarding their health. Nature is common ground for everyone and uniting to protect nature can help solve today's challenges and create a thriving tomorrow for future generations. Discover [e-mail] NPR now it's time for.

[Stephen Thompson]

Our favorite segment of this week and every week. What's making us happy this week? Jordan Morris what's making you happy this week, buddy?

[Jordan Morris]

Yeah, I like to recommend comic books in this segment, so I'm gonna do it again. Yeah, I just recently read a great called the Last Mermaid by Derek Kirk Kim, written and drawn by. Here's the pitch. It's great. It's about a lone mermaid who has to survive a post apocalyptic wasteland by piloting a mech suit filled with water. Wow. That's the greatest pitch of all time. It's like the greatest one sentence pitch. The comic itself is like, even better. The mermaid has this little axolotl that follows her around. It's very cute. She meets all these kind of crazy post apocalyptic characters as she's doing her adventure. It's this really beautiful book. It's the comics or the collection, if you get that are like kind of a bigger format. So it's kind of like this widescreen comics. The story is mostly wordless, so, you know, it's kind of told through action and gestures and expressions. And I think it'd be a great thing to read with, like a kid who's into sci fi. So, yeah. It's called the Last Mermaid by Derek Curtkim and it's great.

[Stephen Thompson]

Jordan, do you think that this comic book should be made into an animated movie that is then remade into a.

[Jordan Morris]

Live action movie ten years later? Yes.

[Stephen Thompson]

Thank you, Jordan Morri. Regina Barber. What's making you happy this week?

[Regina Barber]

Jordan? I love that. I'm gonna check it out. But what I'm gonna suggest today that's making me happy is the new season of the Amazing Race, which is the first time I've ever watched the Amazing Race all the way through.

[Stephen Thompson]

Oh, my gosh, Regina.

[Regina Barber]

Yes. And I've heard it's a better season than the other one, so I'm really happy. This is how I'm introduced.

[Stephen Thompson]

It's a strong season. There are better.

[Regina Barber]

Well, okay, you gotta suggest which other ones I should watch. But my daughter was really into it and my partner, we all watched it as a family and the whole time we're just like, you know, picking our favorites. We're going to Asia soon on a trip, so we just really, really enjoyed it. I really loved the Amazing Race almost to a point where my daughter was like, you should apply. I'll make the video for you. So I would suggest on Paramount, we watched it this season of the Amazing Race.

[Stephen Thompson]

Thank you, Regina Barber. I usually recommend music when tasked with speaking about what's making me happy. And what is making me happy is this fantastic new artist, fantastic new album. The artist is named Anastasia and that's a N n a H stasia. She's a Nigerian American, LA folk, jazz, pop, soul singer. Probably best known right now for starring in Kendrick Lamar's Luther video. You know, Luther featuring sza. But what Kendrick Lamar should have done is sung with Anastasia because her voice is. Is absolutely gorgeous. This song is called Overflows. This record is just moving through a lot of different vibes. There's a blues, rock vibe. There's a jazz vibe. At one point. There's a spoken word song that brings in Aja Monet. I love this record. She's got a gorgeous voice. I keep coming back to it. The album is called Tether. My favorite song on the album is called Overflow. But honestly, they're all great. That's the great Anastasia, my favorite musical discovery of the week. And that is what is making me happy. If you want links for what we recommended, plus some more recommendations, sign up for our [e-mail] popculture newsletter that brings us to the end of our show. Jordan Morris, Regina Barber, thanks so much for being here.

[Regina Barber]

Thank you, Steven.

[Jordan Morris]

Yeah, thanks for having me. This was a blast.

[Stephen Thompson]

This episode was produced by Hafsa Fathoma, Liz Metzger and Mike Katsif and edited by our showrunner, Jessica Reedy. Hello. Come in. Provides our theme music. Thanks for listening to Pop Culture Happy Hour from npr. I'm Stephen Thompson, and we will see you all next week.

[NPR Sponsor]

This message comes from NPR sponsor Viori. Featuring the core short receive 20% off your first purchase on any US orders over $75 and free [e-mail] NPR exclusions apply. Visit the website for full terms and conditions.

[Progressive Insurance]

This message comes from Mint Mobile. Mint Mobile took what's wrong with wireless and made it right. They offer premium wireless plans for less and all plans include high speed data, unlimited talk and text and nationwide coverage. See for [e-mail] Switch this message comes from Jackson.

[NPR Sponsor]

Seek clarity in retirement [e-mail] Jackson is short for Jackson Financial, Inc. Jackson National Life Insurance Co. Lansing, Michigan, and Jackson National Life Insurance Co. Of New York, Purchase, New York.