The live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon is set to premiere in cinemas this week, and director Dean DeBlois, who also helmed the original animated trilogy, is already envisioning a sequel. Key to his vision is Cate Blanchett returning as Valka in the live-action sequel, a character she brought to life in the second animated film.
When discussing Blanchett’s possible involvement, DeBlois emphasized the early stages of planning.
“Well, I’m wishful as well. It’s still early days,”
DeBlois said to ComicBook regarding her potential to reprise her role as Valka in future installments. —Dean DeBlois, Director
He continued by elaborating on his commitment to Blanchett as Valka, stating,
“I think she is probably waiting for a script, but I’ve been knocking on that door. I wrote the character of Valka for her, so I told her it’ll always be hers to turn down first,”
—Dean DeBlois, Director. Blanchett was introduced as Valka in 2014’s How to Train Your Dragon 2, and DeBlois remains hopeful she will continue to portray the role.
Background on Valka and Franchise Characters
Within the How to Train Your Dragon narrative, Valka is the mother of protagonist Hiccup and the wife of Stoick, played by Gerard Butler in the live-action adaptation. Valka was separated from her family after being taken by a dragon shortly following Hiccup’s birth, and her unexpected reunion with her family became a pivotal moment in the animated films. Blanchett’s involvement as Valka was originally written with her specifically in mind, making her return particularly significant for both the director and fans.
Gerard Butler, who returned to play Stoick in the live-action format after several years voicing the character, exemplifies the trend of original voice actors reprising their roles. If Blanchett agrees to return, she will not be alone in making the transition from animation to live-action, strengthening the continuity between the two formats.
Potential Sequel Developments Include Toothless’s Growth
As discussions continue regarding a possible sequel, DeBlois has also shared thoughts on how other key characters like Toothless may evolve. He explained the planned trajectory by saying,
“We knew we were going to go there. The idea is that Toothless is roughly Hiccup’s age in dragon years, so he is a juvenile, an adolescent, as well, aging into adulthood,”
—Dean DeBlois, Director. This characterization suggests that the live-action sequel would further explore both physical and psychological changes as Toothless matures.
DeBlois added,
“That is going to alter his design in subtle ways, but mostly it’s going to alter his mentality because he’s a very sentient dragon. He has his own opinions about everything, and he’ll also start to come into his own as a leader of his kind.”
—Dean DeBlois, Director. These remarks point to a narrative focus on the developing independence and leadership of Toothless, reflecting a broader coming-of-age theme for the franchise’s main characters.
Significance of Casting for the Franchise’s Future
With the live-action How to Train Your Dragon debuting on June 13, fans and industry observers alike are closely watching the casting decisions for its potential sequel. DeBlois’s ongoing discussions with Cate Blanchett and the emphasis on her connection to the character of Valka highlight the importance of continuity and character integrity as the franchise moves forward. Should Blanchett confirm her return, her involvement is likely to shape the direction and tone of the next chapter, keeping long-time fans invested and introducing the story to new audiences.
