Dean DeBlois, the Canadian director behind the beloved “How to Train Your Dragon” trilogy, once openly criticized Hollywood’s reliance on live-action remakes. Now, he’s facing that criticism head-on as he promotes his own live-action reboot of the 2010 animated hit, which hits theatres this Friday.
DeBlois, raised in Aylmer, Quebec, admitted his views shifted after Universal Pictures approached him three years ago. Initially reluctant, he changed his stance out of a desire to protect the franchise. “If I don’t do it, someone else is going to do it,” he said. “I’m too protective of the world and the characters.”
The new film combines practical and digital effects to bring the Viking world of Berk and its dragons to life in a more grounded, photoreal style, while preserving the charm and emotional core of the original. DeBlois insisted on directing despite having no live-action experience, arguing only he could faithfully translate the animated trilogy’s spirit.
The cast includes Mason Thames as Hiccup, Nico Parker as Astrid, and Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick. DeBlois also promises deeper backstories and motivations for characters like Astrid, and aims to fill in narrative gaps left by the original’s rushed production.
Critics have questioned the integrity of remakes, especially when handled by new creative teams. DeBlois agrees, criticizing studios for sidelining original creators — including his “Lilo & Stitch” co-director Chris Sanders, who wasn’t initially invited to participate in that film’s new live-action version.
Still, DeBlois remains optimistic. He’s already preparing a live-action remake of the 2014 sequel and is in early talks with original cast members, including Cate Blanchett. At the same time, he’s developing new original stories — though he acknowledges they face steep hurdles in today’s IP-driven market.
“I understand it. That is the business of Hollywood,” DeBlois said. “But I’m ready when somebody’s willing to venture off and take a risk on an original project.”
Swifteradio.com
