Fans of the beloved dragon-riding franchise will be getting more than one live action remake as Universal Pictures has officially announced that a live-action sequel to the upcoming “How to Train Your Dragon” adaptation is already in development. We still expect the first “How To Train Your Dragon” remake to be in theaters on June 13, 2025, but now Universal is announcing that “How to Train Your Dragon 2” has secured a theatrical release date of June 11, 2027, continuing the story that captivated audiences worldwide. The second live action film is currently in production.
The sequel announcement comes before the first live-action film has even hit theaters, showing Universal’s confidence in the franchise. Dean DeBlois, who directed the original animated films, is returning to write and direct the sequel. This continuity in creative leadership suggests the live-action adaptations will maintain the heart and vision that made the animated versions so successful.
Mason Thames, who plays Hiccup in the first live-action film, is expected to return for the sequel alongside other young stars from the cast. The early announcement gives the production team ample time to craft the visual effects needed to bring the dragons to life in spectacular fashion, especially Toothless, the fan-favorite Night Fury.
Everything We Know About the Live-Action How To Train Your Dragon 2
Following the buzz surrounding the upcoming 2025 live-action remake of How To Train Your Dragon, Universal has officially confirmed that a sequel is already in the works. How To Train Your Dragon 2 (live-action) is set to hit theaters on June 11, 2027, and yes — Dean DeBlois is back in the director’s chair once again, continuing his role as the driving creative force behind this beloved saga.
The Sequel’s Storyline: A Return to Berk… and Beyond
The live-action How To Train Your Dragon 2 is expected to stay faithful to the animated version, picking up a few years after the first story. Hiccup is no longer the awkward teen — he’s now a young Viking chief, grappling with the responsibilities of leadership and the challenges of uniting humans and dragons. Toothless has become the alpha of the dragons, and the bond between him and Hiccup is stronger than ever.
The central conflict will revolve around Drago Bludvist, a fearsome warlord bent on using dragons as weapons. While no official casting announcements have been made for Drago yet, there’s a lot of speculation that a high-profile, physically imposing actor will take the role — likely someone with dramatic gravitas and blockbuster experience.
Just like the animated version, expect large-scale dragon battles, emotional reunions, and a heartbreaking farewell that hits even harder in live-action.
Returning Cast and Characters
The main cast from the 2025 film is returning, including:
- Mason Thames as Hiccup
- Nico Parker as Astrid
- Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast
Yes, Gerard Butler is reprising his role in live-action just as he did in the animated trilogy — and with the events of the second film, his character’s arc will likely have a major emotional impact.
The supporting cast from the first film — including Snotlout, Fishlegs, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut — is also expected to return, though Universal has yet to confirm full casting for these roles in the sequel. One thing is certain: the chemistry between the dragon riders will be a huge part of the film’s heart and humor, just like in the original.
Visual Effects and Production
The first live-action film has already stunned audiences with how well it brings the dragons to life. Created with cutting-edge visual effects from top-tier VFX houses, the dragon designs stay true to the original while leaning into realism. Toothless, in particular, strikes a perfect balance between mythical creature and loyal pet — lifelike, expressive, and stunning on the big screen.
For the sequel, expect an even more ambitious scale. The world of How to Train Your Dragon 2 is much larger, taking us beyond Berk to dragon sanctuaries, icy battlefields, and secret strongholds. Early production notes tease a dramatically expanded world that builds on what the first film accomplished and sets the stage for a potential trilogy capstone.
What Makes This Adaptation So Special?
What makes this live-action series feel different from other reboots is how closely the original creative team is involved. Dean DeBlois isn’t just supervising — he’s writing, directing, and producing. That continuity ensures the tone, themes, and emotional beats that defined the original trilogy are preserved and translated naturally to live action.
The story’s strength lies in its emotional maturity. Unlike many family films that shy away from complex themes, How To Train Your Dragon 2 deals with grief, leadership, forgiveness, and the painful process of growing up. If handled right, the live-action version could deliver an even more powerful emotional punch than the animated one.
Box Office Expectations and Future Plans
Universal is clearly betting big on this franchise. With the first live-action film debuting in June 2025 and heavy anticipation building, the studio’s early greenlight of the sequel signals confidence in its success. If both movies land with audiences, a third installment — likely based on How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World — seems inevitable.
That would round out a full trilogy, just like the original, but reimagined for a new generation of moviegoers. Fans of the franchise — both new and old — have a lot to look forward to over the next few years.
Key Takeaways
- A live-action sequel to “How to Train Your Dragon” will release in theaters on June 11, 2027, following Universal’s long-term commitment to the franchise.
- Original animated film director Dean DeBlois will helm the sequel, ensuring creative consistency between the animated and live-action versions.
- The early sequel announcement before the first film’s release demonstrates strong studio confidence in the live-action adaptation’s success.
Production Insights
With its rich world, beloved characters, and a story that resonates far beyond its fantasy setting, How To Train Your Dragon 2 in live-action form is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated family epics of the decade. The 2027 release might feel far away, but if the first film lives up to the promise, the wait will be worth it.
The live-action sequel to “How to Train Your Dragon” is moving forward with significant momentum as Universal Pictures confirmed its June 11, 2027 release date during CinemaCon announcements.
Casting Updates
Universal Pictures has begun assembling talent for “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” building on the success of the first live-action adaptation. While official casting announcements remain limited, industry insiders expect Mason Thames and Nico Parker to reprise their roles from the first film.
The studio has not yet confirmed if Gerard Butler will return for the sequel. Butler’s portrayal of Stoick in the first live-action film was considered a highlight by early viewers at CinemaCon screenings.
The casting department is reportedly focused on maintaining continuity with the first film while potentially introducing new characters that remain faithful to the animated sequel’s storyline.
Creative Team
Dean DeBlois, who directed the original animated trilogy, remains closely involved with the live-action sequel. Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation have prioritized maintaining the visual style and emotional core that made the franchise successful.
The production team aims to blend practical effects with cutting-edge CGI to bring the expanded dragon world to life. Set construction has reportedly begun at multiple international locations to capture diverse landscapes needed for the sequel’s broader scope.
The creative leadership has emphasized their commitment to honoring the source material while adapting it for live-action. Effects teams are developing new technologies to enhance dragon flight sequences and interaction between human actors and their digital counterparts.
Story Evolution
The transition from animation to live-action brings new creative challenges and opportunities for the How to Train Your Dragon franchise. This beloved story will need to adapt while keeping the heart of what fans love.
From Animation to Live-Action
The original How to Train Your Dragon animated movies captivated audiences with stunning visuals and emotional storytelling. Now, Universal Pictures faces the task of bringing this magical world to life with real actors and cutting-edge visual effects.
The live-action adaptation must balance staying true to the animated source material while offering something fresh. Filmmakers will likely use advanced CGI technology to create realistic dragons, especially Toothless, who must maintain his lovable and expressive personality.
This transformation mirrors other successful animation-to-live-action projects, but with unique challenges due to the fantastical elements and flying sequences that defined the original films.
Characters and Plot
The How to Train Your Dragon story centers on Hiccup, a young Viking who befriends a feared Night Fury dragon he names Toothless. Their unlikely bond changes their world forever.
For the live-action sequel, audiences can expect to see the continued development of key relationships, particularly between Hiccup and Astrid, as well as Hiccup and Toothless.
The plot of the animated How to Train Your Dragon 2 introduced more complex themes about family, leadership, and conservation. These elements will likely remain central to the live-action sequel.
Casting decisions will be crucial, as actors must capture the essence of beloved characters while making them their own. The chemistry between human characters and their dragon companions will determine much of the film’s emotional impact.
Design and Special Effects
The transformation of DreamWorks Animation’s beloved dragons and Viking characters into a live-action format presents unprecedented creative challenges. The production team is implementing cutting-edge technology to bring the fantastical world to realistic life while honoring the original’s artistic vision.
Dragon and Costume Design
Toothless, the iconic Night Fury dragon, is receiving special attention from the design team. According to production sources, creators are using a hybrid approach that combines practical effects with digital enhancement to capture his expressive personality and fluid movements.
The costume department faces the complex task of translating the stylized Viking attire from animation to reality. Designers are crafting authentic-looking armor, helmets, and clothing that balance historical inspiration with the distinctive aesthetic established in the animated films.
Some design elements draw inspiration from horror and sci-fi genres to create more dramatic dragon encounters. This approach helps ground the fantasy elements in a more realistic setting while maintaining the emotional connection audiences feel with the creatures.
Visual Effects Breakthroughs
The visual effects team is utilizing innovative motion capture technology specifically developed for this production. This allows them to capture subtle dragon movements and expressions that will make Toothless and other dragons feel genuinely alive on screen.
DreamWorks Animation is collaborating with leading VFX studios to create new rendering techniques for dragon scales, fire breath, and flight physics. These advancements build upon technologies previously used in major sci-fi franchises but adapted to create more organic, believable creatures.
Environmental effects are receiving equal attention, with specialized teams working on realistic ocean dynamics, atmospheric conditions, and the integration of dragons within these elements. Weather effects will play a significant role in key flight sequences, heightening the dramatic tension beyond what was possible in animation.
Marketing and Anticipation
Universal Pictures is building excitement for the live-action “How To Train Your Dragon 2” nearly two years before its release date. The film has already become a hot topic in entertainment circles after its announcement at CinemaCon.
Promotional Activities
Universal has started early promotional efforts for the June 11, 2027 release. The announcement at CinemaCon generated significant buzz among theater owners and industry professionals.
The studio is expected to leverage the popularity of returning cast members Mason Thames, Nico Parker, and Gerard Butler in upcoming marketing materials. Social media campaigns will likely begin in late 2025, with teaser trailers predicted to drop by summer 2026.
Marketing experts anticipate cross-promotion with Universal’s theme parks, as the HTTYD section attracts visitors year-round. According to search results, the theme park connection is especially important to the franchise’s business strategy.
Cultural Impact and Fandom
The live-action sequel announcement has energized the “How To Train Your Dragon” fanbase. Online forums are already speculating about potential plot points and how the beloved animated sequel will translate to live action.
Fan events featuring actors like Nick Frost and Julian Dennison (rumored to join the cast) could boost engagement. Comic conventions will likely feature HTTYD panels as the release date approaches.
The franchise has maintained cultural relevance through books, TV series, and merchandise. Latest news suggests special collector’s editions and exclusive content will be released to build anticipation.
The summer 2027 title is positioned to capture family audiences during peak moviegoing season, continuing the franchise’s tradition of successful June premieres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans are eager to learn more details about the upcoming live-action adaptation of “How To Train Your Dragon 2.” Below are answers to some of the most common questions about this highly anticipated project scheduled for release on June 11, 2027.
Who is directing the live-action adaptation of How To Train Your Dragon 2?
Dean DeBlois, who directed the original animated trilogy, has been confirmed as the director for the live-action sequel. This decision ensures continuity in the creative vision between the animated and live-action versions.
DeBlois brings his intimate knowledge of the Dragon universe to the project, having spent over a decade with these characters. Universal Studios expressed confidence in his ability to translate the magical world of Berk to live-action.
What are the main differences in story and characters between the live-action version and the animated How To Train Your Dragon 2?
The live-action sequel will maintain the core storyline of Hiccup and Toothless facing Drago Bludvist but will include expanded character arcs for supporting characters. Several side plots from the animated version will be modified to better suit the live-action format.
The relationship between Hiccup and his mother Valka will receive more screen time. The production team has also hinted at deeper exploration of dragon lore and the Alpha dragons’ hierarchy.
Which actors have been cast for the leading roles in the How To Train Your Dragon 2 live-action film?
While complete casting details haven’t been officially announced, industry insiders report that casting is currently underway for the main roles. The studio is considering both established stars and newcomers for the Viking characters.
There has been speculation about maintaining casting continuity with the first live-action film. Announcements about key roles like Hiccup, Astrid, and Valka are expected in the coming months.
How is the production ensuring accurate representation of the dragons in the live-action version?
The production is using cutting-edge CGI and practical effects to bring the dragons to life. WETA Digital, known for their work on films like “Avatar” and “The Lord of the Rings,” has been hired to handle the visual effects.
Motion capture technology is being implemented for dragon movements to ensure natural interactions between actors and digital creatures. Several physical dragon models are also being constructed for close-up scenes with the actors.
What locations are being used for filming the live-action How To Train Your Dragon 2?
Primary filming locations include Iceland and New Zealand for the exterior shots of Berk and surrounding landscapes. These locations were chosen for their dramatic natural scenery that matches the world established in the animated films.
Studio work is taking place at Pinewood Studios in the UK, where massive sets of Viking villages have been constructed. Some underwater sequences will be filmed in specialized tanks in Malta.
Are there any changes in the live-action film’s score or soundtrack from the original animation?
John Powell, who composed the memorable score for the animated trilogy, has been brought back to create music for the live-action sequel. His iconic themes will be adapted and expanded for the new film.
The production team is also working with contemporary musicians to create new songs for specific scenes. However, the core musical identity established in the animated films will be preserved to maintain the emotional connection audiences have with the franchise.
