Dean DeBlois addresses one key casting for How to Train Your Dragon 2. DeBlois is one of the original directors of the animated movie version of How to Train Your Dragon, and he is also returning to direct the live-action movie. These movies will revisit the island of Berk but with a largely new cast including Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, and Gabriel Howell. Though the film comes out in theaters on June 13, a live-action How to Train Your Dragon 2 has already been confirmed.

Speaking with ComicBook.com, DeBlois shared an update on one key casting for How to Train Your Dragon 2. He was asked about the character of Valka, who was originally voiced by Cate Blanchett. The filmmaker noted that the live-action sequel was “still early days,” and thus there had not been any major decisions yet. However, he indicates that Blanchett would be his first choice and thinks the actor “is probably waiting for a script.” Check out the full quote from DeBlois below:

“Well, I’m wishful as well. It’s still early days. I think she is probably waiting for a script, but I’ve been knocking on that door. I wrote the character of Valka for her, so I told her it’ll always be hers to turn down first.”

What This Means For How To Train Your Dragon 2

Valka Plays A Key Role In The Animated Sequel

If Blanchett stepped from the sound booth to the big screen to play Valka, she would be the second actor from the animated franchise to reprise their role in the live-action movies. The first was Gerard Butler, who returns to play Stoick on-screen for the upcoming How to Train Your Dragon. Based on the trailers, Butler already embodies the key features of Stoick, including his layered costume and magnificent beard. It also allows for some consistency in the adaptation of one of the main characters, whereas other roles have been reimagined.

Valka would be a particularly interesting character because of her connection with Stoick. In the 2014 film How to Train Your Dragon 2, Valka is Hiccup’s long-lost mother who returns to Berk after being abducted by a dragon and ᴀssumed ᴅᴇᴀᴅ 20 years earlier. She deeply contributes to the animated sequel film’s theme of family and advocation to protect dragons. If Blanchett returned to play the part, it could create a particular sense of continuity by returning a key couple to the big screen together.

Our Take On Cate Blanchett’s Potential How To Train Your Dragon 2 Casting

There Are Some Points Against Her

Blanchett has been both a voice actor and live-action star, so she would translate well over to How to Train Your Dragon 2. There are some factors, however, that make her less apt for the on-screen role. While Blanchett is an extremely busy actor, she has spoken about potentially retiring soon. She did not elaborate on when it would happen, but that her potential involvement would be required for the last installments, which can be risky. With the star already being a two-time Oscar winner, it makes sense why she would want to step back from acting.

On the other hand, the decision will ultimately come down to Blanchett if she is willing to do the live-action version, let both sequels. If she is down for it, there couldn’t be any reason why she couldn’t return as Valka in How to Train Your Dragon 2, especially with DeBlois backing her as his first choice. If that decision does get made, it will have to be made between the end of the year and next year since the sequel is scheduled for a June 2027 release.

Source: ComicBook.com