A How to Train Your Dragon live-action movie has been officially confirmed to be in development at Universal Pictures!
The How to Train Your Dragon trilogy has quickly cemented itself as one of the most beloved in film history, with a servant fanbase all around the world.
The first film sports a ridiculous 99% on Rotten Tomatoes with the franchise making over $1.5 billion at the box office for Universal since arriving in 2010.
Since releasing in 2010, Hiccup's adventures with the dragons of Berk have taken up residence with some of the biggest names in animation, receiving heaps of praise usually only reserved for the likes of Pixar.
How To Train Your Dragon Trilogy To Be Remade In Live-Action
The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that a live-action How to Train Your Dragon movie is on the way at Universal Pictures. The new live-action movie will adapt the story of the animated trilogy, rather than continue the series.
Dean DeBlois, the filmmaker behind Dreamwork's animated How To Train Your Dragon trilogy, will return for the live-action film as director, writer, and producer. DeBlois has worked on numerous critically acclaimed animated movies such as the Dragon trilogy and Lilo and Stitch, but this will be Dean's first time directing a live-action movie.
The How To Train Your Dragon live-action movie is currently slated to release on March 14, 2025. Casting is currently unknown but is reportedly underway.
According to THR, Universal is currently looking to begin filming this summer, with the studio currently prepping for the production start.
Rumors about a live-action remake have been circulating since January 2023, originating from industry insider Daniel Richtman.
Hiccup and Toothless in Live-Action
It is not groundbreaking to say How to Train Your Dragon has become a juggernaut for Universal and Dreamworks. The adventures of these Viking dragon riders have turned into a multimedia venture akin to Toy Story, Shrek, and Despicable Me.
Deblois' ferocious franchise has come a long way from its simple beginnings as a little-known single animated feature. Since 2010, the franchise has received a number of Oscar nominations, spawned numerous sequels, and even ventured into the world of TV with a number of animated streaming series.
So with all this in mind, it makes total sense for Universal to want to capitalize on the name and bring the brand to live-action.
And while these jumps from animation to live-action can sometimes fall flat (i.e. Disney's Dumbo, Aladdin, and The Lion King), having Deblois on board is a huge vote of confidence for this thing coming out right.
How to Train Your Dragon is Dean Deblois' baby, so seeing him get the chance to bring the world of Hiccup and Toothless to a wider audience is one that should be celebrated.
With a summer production start date now being reported, it's only a matter of time before casting information starts to trickle down. Whether the live-action version's characters will align or deviate from the books or animated trilogy's depictions remains to be seen.
It's possible that Universal may look to create a more diverse cast for this rendition as many live-action adaptations have done in recent years like the upcoming Percy Jackson and the Olympians show.
Little is currently known about the live-action How to Train Your Dragon project, but it is an exciting prospect for fans to now have on the radar.
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