Universal is taking a page from the Disney playbook and will adapt one of its most iconic animated films to a live-action film.
Universal Pictures is moving forward with a live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon from Dreamworks Animation. Dean DeBlois will write, direct and produce this new version; DeBlois is the filmmaker behind the original animated trilogy.
The feature project is already stepping into the development process, with Universal looking to adapt the original trilogy of movies directly. The casting process is already underway for this new version. One of the critical notes of production is that the studio and filmmakers are attempting to balance making the dragons appealing and friendly while keeping them realistic for modern audiences.
2010’s How to Train Your Dragon was a massive success upon its release, bringing in nearly $500 million and earning Academy Award nominations for best-animated film and best score. The second and third films were also vastly popular, earning nominations for the best-animated movie during their respective years. The trilogy has grossed more than $1.6 billion at the box office. The films have spawned multiple television series aired on Cartoon Network, Netflix, and Hulu.
The Hollywood Reporter also notes this is the first time the same creator is making a live-action remake of the animated movies. If the film is a success, we could see Dreamworks look to adapt films like Shrek or Kung Fu Panda.
The film is currently slated for a March 14, 2025 release.
