Who voices The Dragon in Damsel?
Iranian-American actress Shohreh Aghdashloo voices The Dragon in Damsel. She’s best known for like The Expanse and The Flight Attendant.
“It wasn’t hard to imagine that I could have, or would have been, a dragon in past life,” Aghdashloo told Netflix Tudum about her approach to voice the antagonist. “But I have to admit that it became pretty challenging when I got to the sound studio and started following her steps through the forest while voicing her, for dragons can only move forward, not backward.”
Aghdashloo also talked about what attracted her to the role: “It was the message of the film. What resonated with me, and ultimately influ- enced my decision to take on the role, was its profound exploration of compas- sion, moral integrity, and the subversion of traditional power dynamics. It’s a powerful commentary on the true nature of power — that true strength lies not in dominion or control, but in understanding, compassion, and the courage to stand against moral corruption.”
The actress continued, “In playing the role of the dragon, I was drawn to the unique opportunity to portray a character that, while mythical and often feared, embodies a deep sense of empathy and wisdom. The dragon’s journey in the film, from a misunderstood creature to a protector and a voice of moral reasoning, particularly captivated me. It’s a role that defies the typical archetype of dragons in folklore as mere symbols of destruction or obstacles to be overcome. This narrative, rich with themes of redemption, the questioning of societal norms, and the redefining of what consti- tutes true power and wisdom, is what made this role irresistible to me.”
Her performance in House of Sand and Fog made her nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2003. The 71-year-old’s other film appearances include The Exorcism of Emily Rose, X-Men: The Last Stand, The Nativity Story, The Odd Life of Timothy Green, and Star Trek Beyond.
