Remake of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Hints at Sequel Storyline

This article contains spoilers for “How to Train Your Dragon.”

The trend of transforming beloved animated films into live-action adaptations continues, with varying degrees of success. While some, like “101 Dalmations,” “Cinderella,” and “Pete’s Dragon,” have resonated with audiences, many others have faded into obscurity despite their box office success. DreamWorks‘ decision to create a live-action remake of “How to Train Your dragon” was certain, considering the financial incentives.

The “How to train Your Dragon” series has been a consistent hit for DreamWorks, with three critically acclaimed animated films grossing a combined $1.6 billion. Dean DeBlois, co-director of the original, returns to helm the remake, which closely follows the script and visual style of the 2010 film. While some may find comfort in John Powell’s score and Toothless’s flight through the sky, others may see it as an unnecessary repetition of a classic.

Regardless, “How to Train Your Dragon” is expected to dominate the summer box office, paving the way for more live-action remakes of DreamWorks’ films.Global’s confidence in the franchise was evident at CinemaCon,where they screened the 2025 film and announced a remake of “How to train Your Dragon 2,” slated for release on June 11,2027.

DeBlois seems committed to the “How to Train Your Dragon” remake series for the long term. While the animated films where planned independently, the remakes may offer opportunities to foreshadow future installments. the 2025 remake includes subtle hints about the direction of “how to Train Your Dragon 2” in 2027.

“how to Train Your Dragon” Teases Valka‘s Arrival

In “How to Train Your Dragon 2” (2014),Hiccup has transformed from a scrawny Viking into a potential leader. During an adventure, he encounters a masked figure on a Cloudjumper, who is revealed to be his long-lost mother, Valka (Cate Blanchett). Presumed dead for 20 years, she has been safeguarding dragons.

In the 2010 film, Hiccup’s mother is mentioned when Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler) gives Hiccup a helmet made partly from her breastplate.Stoick’s tone suggests she is deceased.However,”How to Train Your Dragon 2″ reveals that Valka was taken by a Cloudjumper and chose not to return due to her dragon sympathies,believing Hiccup and Stoick would be better off without her.

The 2025 film includes subtle references to her fate. Stoick and Gobber (Nick Frost) discuss Hiccup’s lack of dragon-hunting enthusiasm, with Stoick attributing it to his mother. Another line reveals Stoick’s anger towards dragons, saying, “They took your mother for God’s sake.” These hints suggest a recreation of Valka’s character in the 2027 remake, but DeBlois could potentially take a different approach.

Valka’s Evolving Character

During the early stages of “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” Valka was initially conceived as a secondary antagonist.Her maternal instincts would turn sour upon learning that Hiccup was responsible for shooting down Toothless, reinforcing her belief that humans threaten dragons. Valka would summon the Bewilderbeast to relocate Berk’s dragons to her sanctuary. While making valka a villain might upset fans, it would offer a surprising twist and deepen her character’s progress. In the 2014 film, Hiccup doesn’t grapple with her absence after discovering their shared love for dragons.

Another possibility for Valka’s role could draw from Cressida Cowell’s book series. The book and film adaptations differ considerably,with dragons and Vikings at odds in the books. Valka, known as Valhallarama, is absent for most of Hiccup’s life, embarking on Quests. she only becomes a constant presence in Hiccup’s life in the later books.

Given DeBlois’s reliance on the original film, its unlikely he’ll incorporate elements from Crowell’s novels. Tho, it would be a pleasant surprise if he did.

“How to Train Your Dragon” is now playing in theaters nationwide.