Cate Blanchett is set to return to Berk, once again taking flight as the formidable Viking warrior Valka in Universal Pictures’ upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon 2. The Oscar-winning actor, who previously voiced the character in the animated films, will reprise the role in flesh and blood for the sequel.
The project reunites Blanchett with filmmaker Dean DeBlois, the creative force behind the franchise. DeBlois, who co-created the original animated series and steered the first live-action film released in June 2025, is returning as writer, director and executive producer. That initial live-action outing proved to be a major success, grossing $636 million worldwide and reaffirming the enduring appeal of Cressida Cowell’s best-selling book series on which the franchise is based.
The sequel adapts the 2014 animated film and continues the journey of Hiccup, played by Mason Thames, the young Viking whose bond with dragons transformed his village’s way of life. As the story expands, Valka emerges as a pivotal figure, Hiccup’s long-lost mother and the wife of Stoick the Vast, the revered Viking chief.
Gerard Butler, who voiced Stoick in the animated films, is also back to portray the character in the live-action universe, making Blanchett the second performer to transition from voice to on-screen embodiment. The cast also includes Nico Parker, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn, all returning for the sequel.
Production duties are being handled by Marc Platt through Marc Platt Productions, alongside the company’s president, Adam Siegel. Universal has slated the film for a theatrical release on June 11, 2027, with senior vice president of production Lexi Barta overseeing the project for the studio.
Outside the dragon-filled skies of Berk, Blanchett has remained busy with a diverse slate of work. She recently headlined Steven Soderbergh’s romantic espionage thriller Black Bag, sharing the screen with Michael Fassbender, Marisa Abela and Naomie Harris. She also featured in Jim Jarmusch’s ensemble drama Father Mother Sister Brother, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival and went on to win the Golden Lion.