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Universal Pictures’ How to Train Your Dragon 2 adds Phil Dunster
Universal Pictures’ live-action film How to Train Your Dragon 2 added Phil Dunster to the cast. Dunster is known for playing Jamie Tartt in Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso, a role that earned him a 2023 Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
The casting news emerged while production continued on the sequel. Universal has scheduled the film for release on June 11, 2027.
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Phil Dunster cast as Eret in sequel
Phil Dunster will play Eret in the live-action sequel, a character who first appeared in the 2014 animated film as a self-proclaimed dragon trapper. In the animated sequel, Eret was originally voiced by Kit Harington.
Industry reports describe Eret as boastful and confident, interacting with Hiccup and Astrid throughout the story. In the animated version, the character initially works alongside the villain Drago.
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Dean DeBlois returns as writer and director
Dean DeBlois serves as writer, director, and executive producer on the sequel, having co-created the original DreamWorks Animation franchise. He also directed the 2025 live-action adaptation, maintaining creative oversight.
Reports confirm that DeBlois continues to shape the story for the live-action series. Having directed the animated trilogy, his involvement ensures continuity between the sequel and earlier films.
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How to Train Your Dragon franchise shows strong box office
Universal’s 2025 live-action How to Train Your Dragon earned approximately $636.4 million globally, marking the highest box office total in the franchise. The strong performance highlighted the film’s widespread audience appeal.
The combined four films in the franchise have earned more than 2.2 billion dollars. That total reflects global theatrical performance. The number includes animated and live-action entries.
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Mason Thames returns as Hiccup
Mason Thames stars as Hiccup in the live-action sequel, leading the story as a young Viking who forms a close bond with dragons. Thames, who also appeared in the 2025 adaptation, reprises his role, bringing continuity and depth to the character.
The sequel continues Hiccup’s journey alongside dragons, focusing on the challenges and responsibilities of fostering coexistence between Vikings and dragons. He remains central to the narrative, with his relationships and decisions driving much of the story’s conflict and emotional arc.
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Nico Parker returns as Astrid
Nico Parker returns to the cast, reprising her role as Astrid from the 2025 film. Astrid serves as a key companion to Hiccup, supporting him throughout the story.
The character also appears in the original animated sequel, continuing to assist Hiccup’s mission. Parker is listed among the confirmed actors, keeping the core characters active alongside other major cast members.
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Gerard Butler reprises Stoick the Vast role
Gerard Butler returns as Stoick the Vast, reprising the role he voiced in the animated films. Reports confirm Butler continues the character’s presence in the live-action adaptation.
Stoick, Hiccup’s father, leads the Viking community and appears throughout the sequel’s storyline. Butler’s return helps link the animated and live-action versions, maintaining the role’s significance to Hiccup’s journey.
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Cate Blanchett returns as Valka
Cate Blanchett plays Valka, reprising the role she voiced in the animated sequel. Reports confirm Blanchett returns to portray the character in the live-action adaptation.
Valka, Hiccup’s mother, reappears in the story after being believed dead, a plot point that mirrors the animated film. Casting Blanchett maintains continuity, and the character remains central to the sequel’s narrative.
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Ólafur Darri Ólafsson plays Drago
Ólafur Darri Ólafsson will portray Drago Bludvist, the story’s main villain. Drago, who appeared in the animated sequel, drives the central conflict with his plan to conquer using a dragon army.
Casting Ólafsson brings a well-known actor to the role, reinforcing the character’s presence in the live-action adaptation. Reports confirm that Drago remains the primary threat, central to the sequel’s plot.
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Marc Platt produces for Universal
Marc Platt produces the sequel through Marc Platt Productions, with Adam Siegel serving as a co-producer. Production leadership was confirmed in trade reports, with Universal backing the project.
Marc Platt’s credits include films such as Wicked and La La Land. Studio oversight includes Lexi Barta as SVP of Production, with executive and production details emerging in January 2026.
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Franchise based on Cressida Cowell books
The film franchise is based on Cressida Cowell’s books, which inspired the animated trilogy and continue to guide the live-action films. The series focuses on Hiccup and dragons, exploring Viking and dragon relations and forming the foundation of the franchise.
Trade reports consistently reference Cowell’s books, ensuring the literary source remains credited. The adaptation carries the stories into live-action while maintaining the core themes of the original series.
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Phil Dunster, known for Ted Lasso
Phil Dunster built his profile with his fan-favorite turn as Jamie Tartt on Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso, a role that led to a 2023 Primetime Emmy nomination in the supporting comedy actor category. According to industry insiders, the series is expected to return for a fourth season in summer 2026.
His recent résumé has continued to grow, with trade outlets reporting his appearance in Apple TV+’s Surface and naming him among the cast of HBO’s Rooster starring Steve Carell, with those casting reports surfacing in January 2026.
Curious about Phil Dunster’s latest projects and upcoming roles? Check out the full story on How to Train Your Dragon’s remake and returning cast members.
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How to Train Your Dragon 2 set for 2027 release
Universal has scheduled the film for release on June 11, 2027, with multiple trade outlets confirming the date. The release follows the 2025 adaptation, continuing the live-action franchise.
The sequel adapts the 2014 animated film, featuring Valka’s return and Drago’s threat, closely following the animated plot. Production updates and casting announcements continue, keeping the film on track for its 2027 release.
Want to see how How to Train Your Dragon is breaking records? Check out the full story on its $82M opening weekend and franchise milestones.
Which character are you most looking forward to in the new How to Train Your Dragon? Let us know below!
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Last Updated: February 8, 2026
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