Cate Blanchett Returns as Valka in Live-Action Dragon Sequel

Universal is bringing back another familiar face for its next big-screen adventure. Cate Blanchett will once again step into the role of Valka for the live-action follow-up to 'How To Train Your Dragon 2.' The announcement came during Cinema Con in April 2025, just ahead of the live-action adaptation ’s theatrical debut. Fans can mark their calendars for June 11, 2027, when the new chapter is set to premiere.

Blanchett, who first voiced Valka in the 2014 animated feature, will now portray the character in person. Valka, revealed as Hiccup’s long-lost mother and a fierce protector of dragons, quickly became a fan favorite. Blanchett is the second original cast member to make the leap from animation to live-action, following Gerard Butler ’s return as Stoic, a role he originated in the animated trilogy.

Star Power Joins the Cast

With a career spanning decades, Blanchett has earned eight Academy Award nominations and two wins for her roles in 'The Aviator' and 'Blue Jasmine.' Her filmography includes acclaimed titles like 'Tár,' 'Thor: Ragnarok,' 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,' 'Carol,' and the 'Lord of the Rings ' trilogy. Recently, she appeared in Steven Soderbergh’s 'Black Bag' and Jim Jarmusch’s 'Father Mother Sister Brother.'

She’ll be joining a cast that features Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, and Harry Trevaldwyn. Dean DeBlois, who directed both the animated and live-action versions, is back at the helm for this sequel.

Box Office Success and Critical Acclaim

The original 'How To Train Your Dragon 2' hit theaters on June 13, 2014, earning widespread praise and even outshining its predecessor for many viewers. The film grossed $622 million worldwide and received an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 87th Academy Awards. It also took home the Golden Globe and Annie Award for Best Animated Feature.

The live-action adaptation, released on June 13, 2025, arrived fifteen years after the original. It pulled in $262 million domestically and soared to $636 million globally, landing in the top ten highest-grossing films of the year. With these strong numbers, Universal is expected to move forward with a live-action remake of 'How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World' to complete the trilogy.

Audience Reception and the Future of Remakes

Despite ongoing debates about the need for more live-action versions of animated classics, the new 'How To Train Your Dragon' managed to win over audiences. It scored a 97% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, six points higher than the original.

This suggests that perhaps there are some movies that can please fans if they stick to the script and don't attempt to do something too wild and inventive.

While some critics argue that Hollywood is running out of fresh ideas, the box office results show there’s still a strong appetite for these reimaginings. Studios are more than willing to deliver when the demand is clear.