Outline:
Cate Blanchett to Reprise Role as Valka in Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon 2
The live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon has been making waves with its casting choices, and one of the most notable decisions is the return of a beloved character. While many human roles have been recast, some actors are simply irreplaceable. In the first film, for instance, it was unthinkable to see anyone other than Gerard Butler portray Stoick, and that same sentiment applies to the second installment.
Cate Blanchett, who originally voiced Hiccup’s mother, Valka, in the 2014 animated sequel, has officially signed on to reprise her role in the live-action version. This decision has been met with excitement from fans, as it ensures continuity and authenticity in the storytelling. The Hollywood Reporter recently confirmed that Blanchett has entered into a deal to play the live-action version of her character, directed by Dean DuBlois.
Blanchett joins a cast that includes Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, and Harry Trevaldwyn—all of whom will be reprising their roles from the 2022 live-action remake. Filming is set to begin soon, with Universal Pictures already planning a June 2027 release date.
For those unfamiliar with the lore of How to Train Your Dragon 2, the story follows Hiccup and his friends as they face off against a group of dragon trappers seeking to militarize the mystical creatures. During this conflict, Hiccup encounters his long-lost mother, Valka, who had left the village of Berk years earlier due to the society’s prejudice against dragons.
Blanchett’s recent career has been nothing short of impressive. She delivered a standout performance in 2023, appearing in two critically acclaimed films directed by renowned filmmakers. She also made a surprise cameo in the finale of Squid Game Season 3. Earlier in the year, she starred alongside Michael Fassbender in Stephen Soderbergh’s spy thriller Black Bag, and last month, she appeared in Jim Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Brother.
In addition to these projects, Blanchett has completed work on the sci-fi comedy Alpha Gang, directed by David and Nathan Zellner, and is currently involved in Alice Birch’s fantastical drama Sweetstick.
The return of Cate Blanchett as Valka is undoubtedly a major win for How to Train Your Dragon 2. However, there are still more casting decisions to be made. One question remains: will the film bring back Djimon Hounsou as Drago Bludvist, the leader of the dragon trappers, or will it introduce a new actor for the role?
Fans can expect more updates in the coming weeks and months as the production moves closer to its planned theatrical release on June 11, 2027. Stay tuned for further developments on this highly anticipated sequel.