Interview

Director, Screenwriter

From Maya Files to Magic: How Hollywood Creatives Help Build Epic Universe’s Immersive Worlds

Almost a decade in the making, Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida is a groundbreaking theme park that highlights the shared DNA between filmmaking, attractions, and immersive real-world experiences, taking audiences and guests on a cinematic journey.

Three of the five worlds that make up Epic Universe are born out of IPs that have graced both the big and small screens, namely The Wizarding World of Harry PotterMinistry of Magic,

By Simon Thompson  |  July 11, 2025

Interview

Director, Screenwriter

Inside Writer/Director Dean DeBlois’ Secret Formula for Creating His Live-Action “How to Train Your Dragon”

When filmmaker Dean DeBlois found out a live-action reimaging of his award-winning animated hit How to Train Your Dragon was on the cards, he volunteered to write and direct it.

The adaptation, which lands in movie theaters on Friday, June 13, 2025, largely mirrors the storyline of the 2010 original. At the heart of the film is the friendship between a young Viking called Hiccup,

By Simon Thompson  |  June 10, 2025
A Live-Action “How To Train Your Dragon” Movie in the Works at Universal

How To Train Your Dragon creator Dean DeBlois is going to help Universal breathe fire into a live-action film.

DeBlois is the man who guided the critically acclaimed animated trilogy from DreamWorks, and now he’s going to bring his beloved dragons and Vikings into the live-action realm. Universal has tapped DeBlois to write, direct, and produce the live-action film—in fact, the film is already in the works, with a March 14,

By The Credits  |  February 16, 2023
How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World Teases Epic End to the Trilogy

As soon as those notes from John Powell’s magnificent score begin to play, we’re reminded of just how special this movie franchise is. After two excellent How to Train Your Dragon movies, the first trailer for The Hidden World dropped today. It promises to be a special way to close the trilogy.

Our heroes are back. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), Astrid (America Ferrera), and of course, Toothless, living in their dream world.

By Justin Redman  |  June 7, 2018