How to Train Your Dragon 2: Director Talks About Changes in Live-Action Adaptation
Will Cate Blanchett return as Hiccup's mother Valka in the sequel?
"How to Train Your Dragon" is currently making waves in cinemas. One thing is already certain: there won't be just one live-action adaptation: the sequel is already in development – once again by mastermind Dean DeBlois, who also directed the original animated trilogy. The director has now revealed some exciting details about "How to Train Your Dragon 2".
In an interview with the entertainment portal DiscussingFilm, DeBlois spoke about the adaptation of the second film. One statement in particular came as a bit of a surprise:
"There are still regrets I have [...] that I would love to address in the live-action version."
The director and screenwriter kept the specific aspects of the film to himself. However, fans can now prepare themselves for changes in the live-action adaptation of the second part. The prospect of changes is surprising, especially since the first live-action film closely followed the animated original in terms of content and style.
However, this faithfulness to the original is currently also a topic of discussion among "How to Train Your Dragon" fans. Some fans criticize this fact – and wonder why a remake was even necessary if so few changes were made. Other fans argue that the movie works so well precisely because it successfully translates the strengths of the animated version into a live-action adaptation.
Cate Blanchett in "How to Train Your Dragon 2"?
DeBlois also spoke with the website ComicBook.com about the casting of a central character for the second movie. We are talking about Hiccup's mother, Valka. In the original, the character was voiced by Hollywood star Cate Blanchett. The director hopes that Blanchett will be available for the live-action adaptation as well. However, DeBlois has not yet been able to announce anything in this regard. After all, the film adaptation is still at an early stage of development. DeBlois is currently writing the screenplay. In any case, he will want to offer Blanchett the role first.
When Will "How to Train Your Dragon 2" Be Released?
It is already known when the adaptation of the second animated film will be released. "How to Train Your Dragon 2" is set to hit theaters on June 11, 2027, and thus two years after the first live-action film.
What Can We Expect from the Sequel?
With the second live-action adaptation in the works, it's worth taking a closer look at the original animated film. "How to Train Your Dragon 2" was released in 2014 and continued the successful story of the young Viking Hiccup and his dragon Toothless.
The Plot
Five years after the events of the first part, the island of Berk has been transformed into a dragon paradise. Dragons and humans live in harmony, and Hiccup is no longer an outsider, but a young man in search of his own identity. In the process, he not only discovers new lands, but also meets his mother – and finds a mysterious ice cave with many new species of dragons.
Director Dean DeBlois created an epic, character-driven story that stands out from the classic children's film in terms of quality. The movie deals with loss, responsibility and the search for one's place in the world – wrapped up in spectacular aerial battles, breathtaking landscapes and a rousing soundtrack.
DeBlois Talks About "How to Train Your Dragon 2"
The movie was well received by critics and fans alike. It received a number of awards, most notably the Golden Globe for Best Animated Film. It was nominated in the same category at the Academy Awards. DeBlois also spoke about his perception and the importance of the second animated film in the interview with DiscussingFilm:
"I think there's something about the second animated movie that most fans prefer out of the trilogy, and I want to hold on to that aspiration. ["How to Train Your Dragon 2"] was like our "Empire Strikes Back", where everything got bigger and broader. Characters get richer and things get scarier, as well."
The Dragons Return
We are now eagerly awaiting the live-action adaptation for the second animated movie. For the many fans of the original, it will be particularly interesting to see how iconic characters such as Valka or Drago Bludvist are going to be portrayed.
