Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon Gets Sequel And Release Date Before First Film Even Hits Theaters

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As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement as I share the news that Universal Studios has given the go-ahead for a sequel to the live-action “How to Train Your Dragon” movie. This thrilling announcement was made by director Dean DeBlois at this year’s CinemaCon, fueling our hopes and dreams for more adventures with Toothless and Hiccup.

Instead of a mere empty assurance, it’s an unequivocal indication that the studio is certain about the quality they’ve observed up to this point. To celebrate the unveiling, Universal showcased a full orchestra of 43 musicians, led by Ricky Minor, playing tracks from the soundtrack. This isn’t your typical sequel introduction. What’s more intriguing is that the release date has already been fixed – How to Train Your Dragon 2 will hit the screens on June 11, 2027.

Early Reactions Suggest A Faithful – And Bigger – Take On The Original

It seems the early confidence Universal has been showing stems from positive initial responses at CinemaCon. The live-action remake is being praised as a trustworthy and emotionally resonant reinvention of the classic animated movie. Instead of simply rehashing, it appears to offer a clearer, more impactful interpretation of the beloved tale.

Dean DeBlois, who oversaw all three animated movies, is once more at the helm – penning, overseeing production, and directing this latest adaptation. The ensemble includes Mason Thames portraying Hiccup, Nico Parker as Astrid, and Nick Frost as Gobber. Gerard Butler, who lent his voice to Stoick in the initial trilogy, reprises his role – now fully costumed, seamlessly stepping into the part.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t contain my enthusiasm about Butler expressing his eagerness to dive back into the franchise in a concrete manner. In a candid conversation with The Direct, he shared that he’s long been curious about how the tale would unfold on the live-action stage.

“I love the animated movies, but I always wondered, ‘God, what if this was real? What if we were really there, real people, real dragons?’ And we had a chance to do that, to make it real. When a dragon is breathing fire over a bunch of actual Viking men and women running, it feels a lot more scary than when it was animated. You have a little more you can distance yourself, but this feels much more involved and just immersive. I get goosebumps when I think about it.”

A New Format For A Beloved Story

The initial three films, derived from the novels penned by Cressida Cowell, received both rave reviews and grossed an impressive $1.6 billion at the cinema. Currently, this tale is being reimagined in live-action, offering a fresh visual approach while preserving the heartfelt essence that made it a success.

Universal’s description presents the film as a “remarkable, live-action reinterpretation” set on the island of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have historically been at odds. In this universe, young Hiccup, a creative yet socially awkward character, defies tradition by forming a bond with Toothless, a dragon species called Night Fury that is shunned by everyone else.

In the narrative, the bond between friends remains central as it has been. With rising conflicts and a fresh danger emerging, Hiccup and Toothless must navigate a novel course – one which might significantly alter their realms forever.

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2025-04-10 21:09