Talks

How to Train Your Dragon

Golden Globe® winner and three-time Academy Award® nominee Dean DeBlois is best known for writing, directing, and executive producing the commercially and critically acclaimed “How to Train Your Dragon” trilogy, which culminated in 2019 with the release of “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” and most recently, as the writer, director, and executive producer of the commercially and critically acclaimed live-action adaption of the beloved film, starring Mason Thames, Nico Parker, and Gerard Butler, reprising his role as “Stoick the Vast.” The live-action adaption is now the highest-grossing film in the series.

DeBlois is currently in pre-production on the live-action adaptation of “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” schedule for release by Universal Pictures on June 11, 2027.

Prior to collaborating on the original “How to Train Your Dragon” with Chris Sanders, the pair wrote and directed Walt Disney Animation Studios’ beloved “Lilo & Stitch” (2002) after first serving as co-heads of story on “Mulan” (1998).

Dean is currently in development on “Micronauts” for Paramount Pictures as both writer and director. He is attached to direct “Treasure Island” for Universal Pictures and Mandeville Films. Also in development at Universal Pictures is the live-action-hybrid project “Storybook Ending” which he will write and direct, as well as produce alongside William Teitler.

He has also directed several music films and documentaries, most notably 2007’s indie critical darling “Sigur Rós: Heima.” Dean’s continued collaboration with Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi has led to the singer-songwriter’s contributions to the “How to Train Your Dragon” soundtracks.

Born and raised in Canada, Dean’s career began at Hinton Animation Studios in his hometown of Ottawa. In 1990, he joined the Don Bluth Studios in Ireland before heading to the US to begin work for Walt Disney Feature Animation in 1994. He joined DreamWorks Animation in 2008.

He is a graduate of Sheridan College’s animation program and was awarded an honorary degree in 2016. Dean is a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, The Writers Guild, and ASIFA.