Universal Pictures' Live-Action Reimagining of
the Beloved Animated Film that Launched the Acclaimed Franchise
Soars into Theaters June 13,
2025
TORONTO, Dec. 17,
2024 /CNW/ - Spin Master and Universal Products &
Experiences announced today the renewal and expansion of their toy
license agreement for the beloved, blockbuster How to Train Your
Dragon franchise, launched in 2010 by DreamWorks Animation. The
agreement builds on the more than 15-year relationship between the
children's toy and entertainment company and the studio's products
and experiences division and includes worldwide rights to the toy
license for dolls, action figures, remote control, playsets,
vehicles, robotics and feature plush. Spin Master's toy line pairs
with a robust content slate from Universal Products &
Experiences including Universal Pictures' epic new live-action
reimagining of the first How to Train Your Dragon film,
which soars into theatres June 13,
2025.
"We have a long history of developing innovative toys in support
of this widely celebrated global franchise, surprising and
entertaining Dragons fans for well over a decade," said
Doug Wadleigh, Spin Master's
President, Toys. "With the anticipation building for this
groundbreaking new chapter in the How to Train Your Dragon
saga, we've developed a dynamic line up of breakthrough play
experiences that will inspire and delight with elements of flight,
interactivity and theatrical realism."
"Our successful collaboration with Spin Master for the
Dragons franchise and Gabby's Dollhouse continues
into 2025 with the team capturing the lore and epic adventures of
How to Train Your Dragon's beloved characters into the
new film-inspired line," said Rafael
Macias, Executive Vice President and Global Commercial
Officer, Universal Products & Experiences. "Together, we've
brought the Dragons stories to millions of children and
adults alike, creating a toyetic brand that has withstood the test
of time and sparking multi-generational appeal. In 2025, we expect
to reach even greater heights with our renewed agreement."
Spin Master's 2025 How to Train Your Dragon toy line will
be revealed in February 2025, in
advance of Toy Fair New York.
About How to Train Your Dragon – Live Action
Film
From three-time Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe
winner Dean DeBlois, the creative
visionary behind DreamWorks Animation's acclaimed How to Train
Your Dragon trilogy, comes a stunning live-action reimagining
of the film that launched the beloved franchise.
On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been
bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All
Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of
Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard
Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated
franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends
Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals
the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of
Viking society.
With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of
Us) and the village's quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman,
Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world
torn by fear and misunderstanding.
As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and
dragons, Hiccup's friendship with Toothless becomes the key to
forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate
path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds
and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.
The film also stars Julian
Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Bodies), Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn
(Smothered), Ruth Codd
(The Midnight Club), BAFTA nominee Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the
Galaxy) and Murray McArthur
(Game of Thrones).
How to Train Your Dragon is written, produced and
directed by DeBlois. It is also produced by
three-time Oscar® nominee Marc Platt
(Wicked, La La Land) and Emmy winner Adam Siegel (Drive, 2 Guns).
How To Train Your Dragon is part of the Filmed For
IMAX® Program, which offers filmmakers IMAX®
technology to help them deliver the most immersive movie experience
to audiences around the world.
Inspired by Cressida Cowell's
New York Times bestselling book
series, DreamWorks Animation's How to Train Your Dragon
franchise has captivated global audiences, earning four Academy
Award® nominations and grossing more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office. Now,
through cutting-edge visual effects, DeBlois transforms his beloved
animated saga into a breathtaking live-action spectacle, bringing
the epic adventures of Hiccup and Toothless to life with
jaw-dropping realism as they discover the true meaning of
friendship, courage and destiny.
About Spin Master
Spin Master Corp. (TSX:TOY) is a leading global children's
entertainment company, creating exceptional play experiences
through its three creative centres: Toys, Entertainment and Digital
Games. With distribution in over 100 countries, Spin Master is best
known for award-winning brands PAW Patrol®,
Hatchimals®, Bakugan®, Kinetic
Sand®, Air Hogs®, Melissa &
Doug®, Rubik's® Cube and GUND®,
and is the global toy licensee for other popular properties. Spin
Master Entertainment creates and produces compelling multiplatform
content, through its in-house studio and partnerships with outside
creators, including the preschool franchise PAW Patrol, and
numerous other original shows, short-form series and feature films.
The Company has an established presence in digital games, anchored
by the Toca Boca® and Sago Mini® brands,
offering open-ended and creative game and educational play in
digital environments. Through Spin Master Ventures, the Company
makes minority investments globally in emerging companies and
start-ups. With 29 offices spanning nearly 20 countries, Spin
Master employs close to 3,000 team members globally. For more
information visit spinmaster.com or follow-on Instagram, Facebook
and Twitter @spinmaster.
About Universal Products & Experiences
Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) globally drives
the expansion and elevation of NBCUniversal's iconic collection of
brands, intellectual properties, characters, and stories based on
the company's extensive portfolio of properties created by
Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and
NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. The division executes this
through innovative physical and digital products, as well as
engaging retail and product experiences across our expansive global
theme park destinations (for both owned and third-party IP),
location-based venues, e-commerce product platforms, and retailers
around the world. Along with global brand strategy and creative,
UP&E's lines of business include Consumer Products and Games,
along with Theme Parks Products & Retail. UP&E is a
division of Universal Destinations & Experiences, part of
NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. More information
is available at universalproductsexperiences.com.
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