A live-action feature adaptation of DreamWorks’ “How to Train Your Dragon” is in the works with plans for a theatrical release on March 14th 2025 through Universal Pictures. Casting is reportedly already underway.
Oscar nominated filmmaker Dean DeBlois, who wrote and directed the original animated trilogy that ran from 2010-2019, is returning to write, produce and direct this new take which would mark the first Dreamworks animated feature to make the jump to live-action form.
The original ‘Dragon’ film takes place in the mythical Viking village of Berk and follows the adventures of a misfit teen named Hiccup who befriends an injured dragon he calls Toothless. He soon discovers there may be more to the creatures than he or his family assumed.
Based on the books by Cressida Cowell, the trilogy has generated more than $1.6 billion worldwide at the box-office and spawned three spin-off TV series along with theme park rides and a live show.
Marc Platt (“Bridge of Spies,” “La La Land”) will produce the new film. Prior to ‘Dragon,’ DeBlois and Chris Sanders created “Lilo & Stitch” at Disney and worked as co-heads of story on 1998’s “Mulan”.
The obvious question is, will this kick start a line-up of Dreamworks live-action films akin to the way Disney has been doing live-action remakes of its animated feature back catalogue? If so, what’s next – “Kung Fu Panda,” “The Croods,” “Madagascar” or “Shrek”?
Source: Variety
