The forthcoming How To Train Your Dragon film has already been greenlit for a sequel, which raises intriguing possibilities for live-action adaptations of both sequels from the original animated series. This news, particularly surrounding How To Train Your Dragon 2, is hardly shocking given that the second installment is widely regarded as a strong continuation of its predecessor.
While How To Train Your Dragon 2 successfully builds upon the original’s legacy, the new live-action version faces the challenge of not only maintaining the charm of the original but also establishing its own merit—early reviews have been encouraging. The live-action remake’s success will likely shape the narrative direction of its eventual sequel. Finding the right balance between innovative storytelling and fidelity to the original narrative will be crucial, especially since a live-action adaptation of How To Train Your Dragon 2 will have the double burden of being a remake and a continuation of the existing story, both of which often lead to skepticism from fans.
Exploring New Storylines for How To Train Your Dragon 2
A Close Remake Shouldn’t Dictate the Sequels’ Format
The expansive universe of How To Train Your Dragon boasts numerous narratives through its films, TV shows, spin-off specials, video games, and literary works. Although 2014’s How To Train Your Dragon 2 is a standout, the live-action adaptation holds the opportunity to explore fresh narratives outside the established framework.
Crafting a new story for How To Train Your Dragon 2 could maximize the return of Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast. Although Stoick’s character meets an end in the animated storyline, an original plot could revive his presence into future installments. While straying from the source material might lessen one connection to the animated series, saving another character can preserve important ties.
Additionally, venturing into original storytelling allows the filmmakers to draw inspiration from the original books, which present distinct differences from their cinematic counterparts. From variations in dragon species to the absence of Astrid, the source material offers a plethora of unexplored characters and themes that could enrich the live-action adaptations.
Concerns Over Timing for How To Train Your Dragon’s Live-Action Adaptation
Only Six Years Since the Conclusion of the Franchise
With only about fifteen years having gone by since the initial release of How To Train Your Dragon, the rationale behind presenting a remake appears tenuous. The last films in the series, particularly The Hidden World, graced theaters merely six years ago. Given the narrative’s chronological flexibility, there could be space for developing a live-action sequel, but that also runs the risk of diluting the original’s recent legacy.
It’s inevitable that comparisons will arise between the live-action remake and its animated predecessor. While audiences may lament the reimagined version, those with an inclination to revisit the tale will likely opt for the well-loved animated films. Embracing an innovative narrative could invite deeper exploration into the How To Train Your Dragon universe, making the remake feel more worthwhile and potentially reducing the urge to compare it with the beloved originals.
Innovative Opportunities in How To Train Your Dragon 2
The Inaugural Live Action Film Must Establish its Narrative
The live-action remake is an invitation for fans to experience a fresh interpretation of this beloved world. The first installment of How To Train Your Dragon set a high bar as a celebrated classic in DreamWorks’ lineup, prompting creators to retain certain elements from the original. However, the risk of adaptation lies in the fine line between innovation and respect for the source material; too much alteration may undermine the original story’s charm, while excessive adherence might leave audiences wondering about the need for a remake.
Once the first live-action film lays the groundwork for this series anew, creators can experiment more freely with the storyline. Proposing a unique narrative arc rooted in the shared journey of a Viking boy and his dragon could be precisely what is needed to elevate the live-action adaptations of How To Train Your Dragon, fostering genuine engagement and diminishing direct comparisons to the animated series.