Universal Pictures has confirmed production of a live-action “How to Train Your Dragon 2″ and revealed a returning cast member from the original animated film, as first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Cate Blanchett will reprise her role as Valka Haddock, the long-lost mother of Hiccup (Mason Thames) and wife of Stoick (Gerard Butler). Blanchett becomes the second original cast member confirmed for the sequel, following Butler.
Blanchett previously voiced Valka in the animated franchise and is known for her roles in “Thor: Ragnarok,” “The Lord of the Rings” film series and “Ocean’s Eight,” among others.
The first live-action film in the franchise premiered in June 2025 and grossed $635 million worldwide, per Box Office Mojo. The original animated film earned $495 million globally after its 2010 release. The animated sequel brought in $621.5 million worldwide in 2014, while the third installment, “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” grossed $540 million globally during its 2019 release, as reported by Box Office Mojo.
What we know about the second live-action film
The sequel will adapt the second installment, originally released in 2014, and will follow the adventures of the dragon ally Hiccup as he continues his journey alongside dragons after changing his village’s perception of them.
The film will be the fifth installment in the franchise, which is based on Cressida Cowell’s children’s book series.
Blanchett joins returning cast members Thames (Hiccup), Nico Parker (Astrid), Nick Frost, (Gobber), Julian Dennison (Fishlegs), Gabriel Howell (Snotlout), Bronwyn James (Ruffnut) and Harry Trevaldwyn (Tuffnut), per The Hollywood Reporter.
Dean DeBlois will return as writer, director and executive producer of the live action film. He co-created the franchise and wrote and directed the first live-action adaptation.
Marc Platt of “Wicked” will produce alongside Adam Siegel, with Lexi Bara as the senior vice president of production for the studio, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Universal and DreamWorks plan to release the film June 11, 2027, one week after Sony’s upcoming animated film, “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse,” according to Variety.
Fans on social media largely welcomed Blanchett’s return. One X user voiced their support, writing, “This is the only correct choice. Cate Blanchett already has that ethereal, ‘I’ve been living with dragons for 20 years’ energy. Seeing her and Gerard Butler reunite on screen in live-action is going to elevate this movie from a ‘remake’ to a must-watch event.”