The upcoming live-action version of How To Train Your Dragon 2 is bringing back familiar voices from the original animated trilogy. Universal announced the film in April 2025, shortly before the first live-action How to Train Your Dragon hit theaters. The new sequel, which is a remake of the 2014 animated film, is scheduled for release on June 11, 2027. Gerard Butler, who previously voiced Stoick the Vast, reprised his role in the live-action adaptation, continuing to connect the two versions of the franchise.
Cate Blanchett also returns, reprising her role as Valka, Hiccup’s mother, who was long thought to be dead in the story but is fiercely protective of dragons. Her involvement adds star power alongside actors Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, and Harry Trevaldwyn. Dean DeBlois, director of both the first live-action film and the original animated sequel, is back to helm this continuation.
Notable Cast and Crew Backgrounds
Cate Blanchett, a highly respected actress with two Academy Awards and eight nominations, resumes her role from the animation, bringing dramatic weight as Valka. Blanchett’s acclaimed performances include roles in The Aviator, Blue Jasmine, Tár, Thor: Ragnarok, and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Alongside her, Mason Thames and Nico Parker play the younger leads Hiccup and Astrid Hofferson, respectively. Gerard Butler’s return as Stoick continues to provide a link between the animated series and its live-action adaptation.
Director Dean DeBlois is tasked with maintaining the integrity of the story, having successfully directed both the original animated film and the live-action first installment. His continued involvement suggests a consistent creative vision as the franchise moves forward.
Comparing the Live-Action Sequence to the Original Animated Film
The 2014 animated How to Train Your Dragon 2 received widespread critical acclaim and strong box office results, earning over $622 million globally. It received nominations for Best Animated Film at the 87th Academy Awards and won major honors including the Golden Globe and Annie Award for Best Animated Feature.
The live-action version, released in June 2025, arrived fifteen years after the original and performed solidly, grossing $262 million domestically and $636 million worldwide. It ranks among the top ten highest-grossing films of 2025, reflecting ongoing audience interest in the story and its characters. Universal Pictures is reportedly optimistic about continuing the live-action trilogy, with plans for a remake of How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.
Audience Reception and Industry Implications
The new live-action adaptation earned a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing the original animation by six percentage points. This strong reception, despite skepticism toward Hollywood’s trend of remaking animated classics, indicates there is demand for faithful, well-executed adaptations. While some critics question Hollywood’s creativity, the commercial and fan approval for How to Train Your Dragon suggests studios are willing to meet this market.
Primary Characters and Supporting Stars
The central cast for How To Train Your Dragon 2 includes Mason Thames as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III and Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson. Gerard Butler returns as Stoick the Vast, the stern but loving father figure. Nick Frost plays Gobber the Belch, continuing his role from the animated films, adding a mix of humor and mentorship to the story. Together, these actors carry forward the legacy of beloved characters that fans expect to see developed in the live-action series.
Looking Ahead to the Future of the Franchise
The continuation of the How To Train Your Dragon live-action series represents an important moment for DreamWorks and Universal Pictures. The involvement of original talent like Gerard Butler, Cate Blanchett, and Dean DeBlois, combined with strong box office and audience reception, suggests that the studios see potential for expanding this world. The next installment, based on The Hidden World, will likely aim to conclude this live-action trilogy, maintaining the balance between honoring the animated legacy and offering something visually fresh. This approach will determine whether the franchise can sustain its success amid ongoing debates about Hollywood’s reliance on adaptations.
