Vikings and dragons will soon return to the big screen in a different format.Dean DeBlois, who wrote and directed the original animated trilogy, is working on a live-action adaptation ofHow to Train Your Dragonfor Universal Pictures. Currently, casting is in progress for the film, and the release date is scheduled for July 25, 2025, according toThe Hollywood Reporter.
DreamWorks Animation’s 2010s trilogy of films received enormous popularity and recognition, including nods for two Academy Awards: Best Animated Film and Best Score. In addition, the second and third films were each nominated for Best Animated Film. Overall, audiences worldwide responded positively, bringing in more than $1.6 billion in box office revenue. Hopefully, the new adaptation of the dragons' trilogy will follow the same path.
In a story inspired by Cressida Cowell’s books, the narrative follows Hiccup, a Viking boy, and his bond with Toothless, the dragon he cares for. A number of meaningful themes are explored in the trilogy of films, such as prejudice, loss, first love, and teenage development.
Jay Baruchel lent his voice to the lead character of Hiccup, and the supporting cast included Jonah Hill as Snotlout, Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Fishlegs, T.J. Miler as Tuffnut, and Kristen Wiig as Ruffnut.
Related:How to Train Your Dragon: Every Movie & TV Series in the Animated Franchise, Ranked
Striking a Balance Between Realism and Friendliness
Finding the right balance between realistic and friendly is one of the biggest creative challenges facing the filmmakers working on Universal’s live-action remake ofHow to Train Your Dragon. Disney has already had success in this field, with big hits such asBeauty and the Beast,Aladdin,Cinderella,andCruella. However, recreating a series initially released only a few years ago may prove to be a challenge for the veteran filmmaker, although if anyone is right for the job, it’s DeBlois.
There is no indication if DreamWorks Animation movies will continue to be adapted into live-action films in the future. However, it is certain that the original creator will oversee the remake this time.
Dean DeBlois wrote and directed the first movie, with Chris Sanders co-directing, but the 2014 and 2019 sequels were handled exclusively by DeBlois. With the director now making his live-action debut, he will receive support from Marc Platt, who has worked on movies that includeLegally Blonde,La La Land,and the upcoming adaptation ofWicked.
As the previous movies have been successful, they should provide an experience unlike any other by combining real-life actors with special effects.
