Cate Blanchett is officially returning to the world of Berk. The two-time Academy Award winner has signed on to reprise her role as Valka, the formidable Viking warrior and mother of Hiccup, in Universal Pictures’ live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon 2. The casting brings a major piece of continuity from the beloved animated franchise into its expanding live-action chapter and confirms Blanchett’s continued connection to one of DreamWorks’ most successful fantasy worlds.

The announcement follows the strong theatrical performance of the first live-action How to Train Your Dragonwhich was released in June 2025 and went on to earn $636 million worldwide. Based on Cressida Cowell’s best-selling book series, the franchise has long been praised for its emotional storytelling, sweeping visuals, and richly developed characters—qualities the live-action version has worked to preserve while expanding the scale of the adventure.

Cate Blanchett Reprises Valka in Universal’s Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon 2

Blanchett first voiced Valka in the 2014 animated film How to Train Your Dragon 2where the story revealed that Hiccup’s mother had survived and spent years rescuing and living among dragons. She later returned for How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden Worldcompleting Valka’s animated arc. Her involvement in the live-action sequel ensures that the character’s emotional depth and strength remain intact as the story transitions into a new format.

The live-action sequel will again be written and directed by Dean DeBlois, who co-created the franchise and also served as writer, director, and executive producer on the first live-action installment. According to confirmed production details, DeBlois is returning in the same creative roles, providing continuity in vision and tone as the story moves forward.

Gerard Butler has already reprised his role as Stoick the Vast in live-action after voicing the character in the animated films, and Blanchett’s return further strengthens the bridge between the animated originals and their live-action adaptations. Her casting reflects the studio’s commitment to honoring the performances that helped define the franchise.

Dean DeBlois and Universal Continue Expanding the How to Train Your Dragon Live-Action Franchise

Universal Pictures has confirmed that How to Train Your Dragon 2 is moving forward as the next chapter in the live-action series. The project is being developed following the commercial success of the first film, which delivered expanded world-building and large-scale visuals while staying rooted in the emotional core of the original story.

Blanchett’s return as Valka adds prestige and familiarity to the sequel, reinforcing the franchise’s multigenerational appeal for both teens and adult audiences. All casting and production details have been attributed to official studio announcements and confirmed creative leadership, underscoring that the live-action How to Train Your Dragon universe is being built with long-term storytelling in mind.