Exciting news for fans of the beloved franchise! io9 recently engaged Dean DeBlois, the talented filmmaker behind How to Train Your Dragon, for a conversation about his role as the steward of DreamWorks and Universal Pictures’ dragon saga. One of the standout moments was discussing the return of Gerard Butler as Stoic, Hiccup’s father. But that’s not all; we had fun imagining which other stars might reprise their roles or even make cameos in the much-anticipated live-action adaptation.
DeBlois expressed hope that Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett will return as Valka in the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon 2. He shared, “We are keeping our fingers crossed. But yeah, I don’t know… it’s a little early to tell because I’m just writing the script.” This revelation certainly ignites excitement among fans who remember Valka as a pivotal character in the animated series.
For those familiar with the animated storyline, Valka’s return carries significant weight, especially since it brings new light to Hiccup’s journey in the sequel. The twist that Hiccup’s mother, Valka, is alive is a dramatic twist that raises the stakes in a story already rich with adventure.
Cate Blanchett’s ability to step back into the character would certainly delight viewers. After all, her performances in iconic roles such as Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings and Hela in Thor: Ragnarok have solidified her status as a fantasy genre legend. However, it’s worth noting that Blanchett has recently hinted at retirement, sharing with Radio Times last month that she is stepping away from acting to explore new life avenues.
As for the original voices of Hiccup and Astrid, Jay Baruchel and America Ferrera, their potential return would likely be limited to cameo appearances. With the characters being brought to life by Mason Thames and Nico Parker for the live-action adaptation, it’s tough to align schedules. DeBlois commented, “Jay and America have been really supportive; in fact, they weighed in on the casting when I was down to my top three Astrids and Hiccups. They’ve been super supportive, but I think for their schedules it just wouldn’t work out for this movie, but maybe in the future.”
Mark your calendars! How to Train Your Dragon will hit theaters on June 13. This adaptation promises to bring a fresh yet nostalgic experience that long-time fans won’t want to miss.
Are there any hints about what we might see in the live-action adaptation? While details are scarce, DeBlois is keen on maintaining the spirit of the animated series. It’s anticipated that fans will be treated to familiar themes alongside new visual storytelling.
Will there be changes in how the characters are portrayed in the live-action version? Film adaptations often bring new interpretations, so it’s likely there will be some fresh takes on established characters while preserving their core identities.
Can we expect any new characters in the live-action film? While specifics are under wraps, it’s common for adaptations to introduce new characters to enrich the storyline and broaden the audience appeal.
How will the new cast be different from the original voice actors? The live-action adaptation features younger actors who will bring a new energy to Hiccup and Astrid, aiming to connect with a fresh generation while catering to existing fans.
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