The LA Fires devastated the county, and celebrities were not immune. ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Composer opened up about his escape, and bringing his hard drive with him. Plus, thankfully, his pet dogs, as well. John Powell had been through this before. The dry weather, even drier vegetation, and winds often are a deadly combination for brushfires. Unfortunately, California has dealt with this problem for a long time, but this time was different. The LA fires in January 2025 were some of the worst. The hills by Pacific Palisades had caught fire. It was spreading fast and ferociously, fueled by extremely high winds.
John Powell’s Score for How to Train Your Dragon
British composer John Powell has written music for many movies, including those of the Jason Bourne franchise, and he has composed for the animated How to Train Your Dragon films. Working closely with Hans Zimmer, Powell rose quickly to fame and has worked with directors like George Miller and John Woo.
John Powell partnered with writer and director Dean DeBlois to score the previous three films of How to Train Your Dragon and was working on the live-action version. During the winter of 2024-2025, Powell was working on the soundtrack.
LA Fires Erupted on January 7th
Drought conditions had been bad, with high winds, and the vicinity of Los Angeles was under a fire warning. Powell had done the necessary preparations for when flames were near: he covered holes, cleared his walkways, trimmed vegetation, and tried to water down pathways. However, his pool pumps didn’t have strong pressure. Finally, after multiple concerned texts came from his family, he took his two pet poodles and a 12-terabyte backup hard drive and fled.
John Powell Saved His Work
Powell is a prolific composer; he has scored over 90 movies and projects and continues to be one of the most sought-after in the industry. Luckily, he had saved all his work on a hard drive and was able to leave his Palisades home.
Fortunately, his home was not one of the ones that burned down on his block, as about half of them sadly did. Powell has not returned since he is still dealing with smoke remediation and other issues pertaining to the house. He has been staying with friends, relatives, and on Airbnb.
How to Train Your Dragon’s Music Survives the LA Fires
Toothless and Hiccup proudly ride again in this live-action film. John Powell’s music soars and guides viewers through their journey to victory. Powell says of his score:
Everything from tempos, keys, orchestration threads through things slightly differently. Different pacing, different approaches, different emphasis in places…
Powell created a superb score and custom themes for the heroes of Berk. His music has transcended scenes not just in this movie, but in so many others. We’re glad he is safe, and he was able to save his work. Like the Night Fury, Powell’s music has risen from the ashes of the LA fires.
