Back in April, Dreamworks announced plans to release a sequel to their sleeper hit, How to Train Your Dragon. At the time of this announcement, details were sparse save for an implied plan to use 3-D and a projected release date of 2013. Today Dreamworks followed up with a press release full of tantalizing info.
First off, much of the cast from the first film will return, including: Jay Baruchel, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, TJ Miller, and Kristen Wiig. Toothless and Hiccup’s adventures will continue in 3D, and the directors/writers of How to Train Your Dragon, Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, will work on the sequel along with the first film’s producer, Bonnie Arnold.
However, as Sanders is currently in post-production on the caveman comedy, The Croods, which is slated for March of 2012, his involvement is described as “creative guidance.” Deblois is stepping up to write and direct solo, with Arnold back on board to produce. Deblois is enthusiastic about the upcoming sequel, saying, “Nothing could be more exciting for me than being charged with carrying this story forward, into the unknown reaches of Hiccup and Toothless’ ever-expanding world…Ambitions are high with this epic next chapter, and together with an incredible team of filmmakers, we plan to build upon How to Train Your Dragon‘s originality, boldness and heart, in hopes of once again touching audiences around the world.”
While I’m eager to see what the world beyond has in store for the beloved characters, the announcement’s repeated use of the dreaded “f” word (franchise) has me concerned. Dreamworks has become known for selecting quantity over quality shoving out sequels that not only make bank but also make fans cringe. (Shrek the Third anyone?) However, How to Train Your Dragon was based on Cressida Cowell’s book, which is one of a series of eight. Hopefully this source of inspiration will help keep the stories fresh and free of tired pop culture references.
So while the studio hypes the upcoming franchise franchise franchise, let’s hope the original’s creative team can keep the story exciting and worthwhile while providing another breathtaking 3D adventure.
In the meantime, How to Train Your Dragon on DVD/Blu-ray will be released on October 12th, 2010.
Are you excited for How to Train Your Dragon 2 in 3D?