Robert Redford on 'New Territory' in Movies, Magic of 'Pete's Dragon'

The legendary actor will turn 80 next week.

The latest “new territory” for Redford is his role in “Pete’s Dragon,” Disney’s remake of the 40-year-old fantasy film.

“I had no knowledge of ‘Pete's Dragon.’ I know that sounds weird,” Redford said. “I did not see the earlier editions. I did not read anything about that and so this was all fresh and new.”

“I certainly still believe in magic,” Redford said. “I really think it's important to keep alive.”

Redford said he grew up in “not a great neighborhood” and looked to fairy tales as a diversion.

“I felt there was value in that and that you should keep that alive and that's what this does,” he said of “Pete’s Dragon.”

The movie opens in theaters Aug. 12.