It seems Universal/DreamWorks have decided to take a page out of Disney's play-book by adapting a much-loved animated property for live-action.
According to THR, Universal Pictures is developing a How To Train Your Dragon live-action movie, with Dean DeBlois, who helmed the original animated trilogy, on board as writer, director and producer.
Though we're just hearing about this now, the project is several steps into the development process, as a release date of March 14, 2025 has already been set. Casting is said to be currently underway.
Based on the novels by Cressida Cowell, the animated films focused on a young Viking boy named Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) and the friendship he develops with an injured dragon named Toothless who he nurses back to health in a world where the fire-breathing beasts are not exactly well-regarded.
This movie will be based on the first animated film, and if successful, the other instalments will be adapted - and with a loyal built-in fanbase, we've no reason to think it won't be.
Together, the three How To Train Your Dragon movies has amassed more than $1.6 billion, secured four Academy Award nominations, and a Golden Globe Award for the second chapter.