By now, everyone knows Dreamworks’ renowned and critically acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon movies. They recount the story of Hiccup Haddock, the first Viking to train and befriend a dragon. And one of the best is the first sequel, How to Train Your Dragon 2. Word has it that a live-action version of this film is coming in two years. The only thing is the first flick has not premiered in theaters yet. Was the decision brought on my confidence, or is there something else at play?
Recapping How to Train Your Dragon 2
How to Train Your Dragon 2 occurs several years after the first film’s events. The Vikings of Berk and dragons now live in harmony thanks to Hiccup’s efforts. His father and chief, Stoick the Vast, decides to have him follow in his footsteps. However, Hiccup is uncertain if he can or wants to become Berk’s next chief. Complications arise when he encounters a gang of dragon trappers working for a dangerous warlord. Hiccup takes it upon himself to reason with the one the hunters call Drago Bludvist.
Things become further complicated when he reunites with his long-lost mother, Valka. She was presumed dead when a dragon carried her off during an attack on Berk. And just like Hiccup, she lives amongst dragons and works to protect them. The mother and son bond before Valka and Stoick reunite and agree to remarry. Sadly, the happy moment ends when Drago arrives to take Valka’s dragons. Hiccup and his parents must stop him and his mind-controlling, ice-breathing titanic dragon.
How to Train Your Dragon 2 proved to be a massive success. Moviegoers and critics adored its stunning visuals, musical score, character dynamics, and relationships. It bettered everything from the first film while adding new captivating aspects and stories. In addition, the movie explains why Hiccup’s mother was absent during the previous installment. This flick also won numerous achievements, including a Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film. And, of course, it received countless nominations at the Critics Choice Awards and Academy Awards.
Live-Action Version Coming in 2027
Dreamworks announced it was remaking the first How to Train Your Dragon earlier this year. It’ll also follow Disney’s example by making this film live-action. Such a decision sparked concern and slight confusion amongst the fans of the animated masterpiece. But some of their worries have been elevated from seeing trailers for this upcoming movie. The actors’ performances and design of Toothless have bestowed hope for this remake. Dean DeBlois’s inclusion and Gerald Butler’s reprising his role of Stoick also helped.
Despite not premiering yet, Universal supposedly possesses high hopes and confidence regarding its eventual success. The studio announced that How to Train Your Dragon 2 will receive a live-action remake. This new revamped chapter is supposedly coming out in two years. Such a decision seems strange since complaints about the upcoming summer feature are flying about. But Universal and Dreamworks seem set on continuing this brand-new iteration of the Dragons movies. Only time will tell if things work out or crash into a huge mess.
Final Thoughts
Hearing of a scheduled How to Train Your Dragon 2 remake confuses me. I feel the studio should’ve waited until seeing the reception of the first movie. This upcoming revamp could end in disaster or success like the original. I’m hoping the latter occurs because of this seemingly premature announcement. The second live-action Dragons film will supposedly premiere on June 11, 2027. In the meantime, let’s watch the first one once it comes out this summer.
