How to Train Your Dragon Director Teases More Live-Action Expansions of the Franchise

The upcoming live-action film based on “How to Train Your Dragon” is highly anticipated due to its director, Dean DeBlois, having also directed the original animated adaptation from the 2003 novel by Cressida Cowell and the upcoming live-action version. Previews suggest that this movie will faithfully honor the original source material. It’s been confirmed that “How to Train Your Dragon 2” will also be adapted into live-action. At the unveiling of Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida, DeBlois hinted that there might be additional live-action films not based on previously released stories as well.

When asked about potential live-action spinoffs, the filmmaker expressed, “Absolutely, I believe so. One of the exciting aspects of revisiting this in a live-action format is the opportunity to explore the entire mythology and world-building more extensively by casting a broader range of characters. This means we could encounter new cultures, new dragons as we delve deeper into the storyline.

He mentioned, “However, I’m not particularly skilled at foreseeing the future. Right now, I’m quite busy with the Dragon 2 project.

In the rugged island of Berk, longtime adversaries, Vikings and dragons, have been at odds for generations. However, Hiccup (Mason Thames, known for his roles in ‘The Black Phone’ and ‘For All Mankind’) breaks the mold. As the resourceful yet often overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his role from the animated series), Hiccup dares to defy centuries-old tradition by befriending Toothless, a powerful Night Fury dragon. This unexpected bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very core of Viking society.

Accompanying Hiccup in this endeavor are his friends Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker from ‘Dumbo’ and ‘The Last of Us’) and the eccentric blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost, known for ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ and ‘Shaun of the Dead’). Together they confront a world riddled with fear and misconceptions. As an ancient threat looms, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the foundation for a new future.

Together, Hiccup and Toothless tread carefully toward peace, venturing beyond their familiar boundaries to redefine heroism and leadership.

At Epic Universe’s grand opening, DeBlois wasn’t just there to toast his new movie; he also unveiled the Isle of Berk. As visitors step into the massive world of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, they’ll be spellbound by a life-size replica of the famous sweeping landscape from the hit How to Train Your Dragon films. Guests can marvel at the expansive glistening lagoon, towering 40-foot Viking statues, and a bustling village nestled above turbulent seas. Here, they can partake in numerous Viking escapades inspired by the adored film series – such as soaring on a dragon with Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, participating in the Fyre Drill competition to outdo fellow explorers, snapping a selfie with Toothless, and many other thrilling activities.

Deblois expressed an unusual feeling as he watched his creation take form. “It’s hard to fully grasp,” he admitted, “I was a bit self-conscious since I had a camera pointed at me, capturing my emotional response. When working for Disney and completing Mulan, we believed that success meant getting a Disney on Ice show. Mulan indeed received one, making us feel like we’d truly made it. But now, seeing it transformed into an entire theme park, I realize that our movie has not only touched the cultural moment but has also become something deeply cherished.

I enthusiastically added, “The precision in ‘Isle of Berk’ is nothing short of amazing! It feels like stepping into a living film. They clearly invested time and effort into the research, which makes it all the more captivating.

The Universal’s Epic Universe has officially opened its gates. The much-anticipated movie, “How to Train Your Dragon,” will premiere in cinemas on June 13th.

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2025-05-24 02:10