Disney's beloved 1977 Pete's Dragon gets a modern twist thanks to the magic of CG technology -- and the talent of stars including Robert Redford, Karl Urban and Bryce Dallas Howard, the latter of whom plays the forest ranger who discovers a young boy named Pete living in the forest with his dragon, Elliot. Rather than mixing hand-drawn animation with live action and music, though, this update promises amazing special effects combined with high-stakes adventure when a hunter (Urban) sets out to capture Elliot. 

In this video, watch as Bryce Dallas Howard reveals the key storytelling elements that attracted her to the role of Ranger Grace Meacham in Pete's Dragon, and tells why the movie is sure to become an instant Disney classic for the ages.

Here, Howard documents how much she loved filming with her big costar... well, except for the green hairs in her coffee, the smell of wet dragon and the trash cans always getting knocked over. "He can be a challenge, but I love him," she says, and we believe her on both points. Watch the video:

Pete's Dragon opens August 12 in 3D.