It doesn’t look like Disney will be the only studio pursuing live-action versions of the most iconic films in its animation library. The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Universal Pictures wants to develop a live-action adaptation of their beloved fantasy-adventure “How To Train Your Dragon” movies from DreamWorks Animation. THR adds that Dean DeBlois returns to oversee this version, and he’ll write, direct, and produce the live-action adaptation for a release date of March 14, 2025. DeBlois’ previous credits include Disney‘s “Lilo & Stich” and the two “Dragon” sequels after co-directing the 2010 original with Chris Sanders. The filmmaker also has a new “Treasure Island” film on deck, as well as a movie based on the “Micronaunts” for Paramount.
Loosely based on Cressida Cowell‘s book series, “How To Train Your Dragon” focuses on a group of brave Viking warriors known for hunting/killing dragons, only to reverse their feelings towards the fire-breathing critters as they instead develop a harmonious symbiotic relationship. This reversal comes thanks to a young Viking, Hiccup, who befriends and trains a rare Night Fury dragon called Toothless and eventually convinces the other Vikings to train their dragons, too. The upcoming live-action film will pull elements from the existing trilogy, but it’s unlikely they’ll be exact copies of the animated films. That trio of movies earned Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature and have led to multiple spinoffs/shorts giving them plenty of source material.
That March 2025 date would suggest Universal is pretty far along with development. With that in mind, expect a hypothetical 2024 or late 2023 production start, as THR notes that “Dragon” is already in its casting stage. However, it’s unlikely any of the original voice cast return for their respective roles. Most of the film’s characters are teenagers, and Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Kristen Wiig, and T.J. Miller are now too old for the parts. However, Universal may call back Scottish action star Gerard Butler to reprise his role as Hiccups’ father Stoick The Vast.
“Dragon” is widely considered one of DreamWorks Animation‘s biggest hits alongside the “Shrek” films, the spinoff “Puss In Boots,” and the “Kung Fu Panda” installments. But there doesn’t appear to be any immediate plans to make live-action versions of the other DreamWorks films, but that could change in the future. Certainly, “Shrek” would stand out as a solid contender there, but maybe Universal wants to see how “How To Train Your Dragon” does with audiences first.
