How to Train Your Dragon 4: Coming to theaters on June 11, 2027 Universal Pictures officially announced a live-action sequel to How to Train Your Dragon. The thrilling reveal came out of CinemaCon just a few months ahead of the first live-action adaptation’s anticipated release on June 13, 2025. Ultimately, fans of the beloved franchise won’t have to wait long to see their favorite characters return to this new format.
A Rapid Follow-Up For the Sequel
After a recent trailer for the live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon and its 2025 release sparked that excitement ahead of time, Universal took the extra step of greenlighting a sequel before the first film has even released, which clearly demonstrates the studio’s faith in the effort. The announcement was accompanied by a special-43 piece orchestra performance of the films’ iconic score, pointedly energizing the crowd at CinemaCon.
Dean DeBlois Comes Back to Direct
Dean DeBlois, the creative force behind the original animated trilogy, will return to direct, write and produce the live-action sequel. This means that the live-action versions will remain faithful to the original story and keep the heartwarming adventure that made the franchise a worldwide success.
Mason Thames and Nico Parker return as Hiccup and Astrid, respectively, from the first live-action film for the sequel. Gerard Butler will return as Stoick the Vast, to make longtime fans even more nostalgic.
Soaring Revenue for a Billion-Dollar Franchise
The How to Train Your Dragon franchise, based on the bestselling books by Cressida Cowell, has been a massive hit. The animated trilogy has grossed more than $1.6 billion at the worldwide box office and remains one of DreamWorks Animation’s most acclaimed series. It should note be noted that the live-action shift is likely to infuse a brave new perspective, all while root-bound in the emotional complexity and action-fueled storytelling that’s been the franchise’s calling card.
What Fans Can Expect
With live-action debuts coming up as soon as next year, the excitement couldn’t be higher. The early announcement also implies Universal has some major pipeline plans for the sequel, given that other franchises such as Pirates of the Caribbean have relied on franchises for box office and a press cycle that was previously ingrained to drive audience traffic to the theater. With live action comes a chance to further immerse audiences in the dragon-infested world of Berk, and the results look even more epic.
Fans now have two major releases to look forward to—How to Train Your Dragon (2025), followed by its sequel (2027)—so the adventures of Hiccup and Toothless can continue for many years to come.
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