Cate Blanchett to Reprise Valka Role in How to Train Your Dragon 2

Actress Cate Blanchett will return to the beloved franchise as she reprises her role as the Viking warrior Valka in the upcoming film, How to Train Your Dragon 2. This marks her transition from the animated films to their live-action counterpart, showcasing her continued commitment to the character she first voiced in the original DreamWorks trilogy.

Production Details and Returning Cast

The announcement, confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, highlights a star-studded cast joining Blanchett. Among them are Gerard Butler, who will once again voice Valka’s husband, the Viking leader Stoick the Vast, as well as Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, and Harry Trevaldwyn. The film is being produced by Universal Pictures, with Dean DeBlois returning to write, direct, and executive produce, following his successful adaptation of the first live-action film based on the book series by Cressida Cowell.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 is set to explore new adventures for Hiccup, portrayed by Thames, who is Valka’s son. The narrative promises to delve deeper into the familial bonds and challenges the characters face in their Viking world.

Character Evolution and Look Ahead

DeBlois expressed his enthusiasm for Blanchett’s involvement, stating, “I wrote the character of Valka for her, so I told her it’ll always be hers to turn down first.” He acknowledged that her participation is vital for maintaining the character’s integrity and continuity. He also shared insights about the evolution of other characters, notably the dragon Toothless, who will have matured since the previous films. “Toothless is roughly Hiccup’s age in dragon years, so he is a juvenile, an adolescent, as well, aging into adulthood. This will alter his design in subtle ways, but mostly it’s going to alter his mentality,” DeBlois explained.

The film is slated for release on June 11, 2027, and it is anticipated to be a significant addition to the franchise, which has captivated audiences worldwide. With its combination of heartfelt storytelling and dynamic characters, How to Train Your Dragon 2 aims to build on the legacy of its predecessors while introducing new themes and character developments.

As excitement builds for this sequel, fans can look forward to seeing how Blanchett’s Valka and the other characters evolve in this richly crafted world of dragons and Vikings.