Movies

Live-Action HTTYD: Can It Nail Valka’s Twist Better Than Animated?

BBG News

As a movie enthusiast eagerly anticipating the live-action remake of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, I can’t help but feel optimistic about what Director Dean DeBlois has in store for us. Scheduled for release on June 13, 2025, this new adaptation will retain much of its source material’s essence while subtly altering one key twist to potentially elevate the original films’ impact. The early buzz surrounding the film is encouraging, hinting at a strong possibility of replicating the success of its animated counterparts. It’s an exciting time for fans like me who can hardly wait to experience the magic all over again!

It’s clear from the previews and other marketing materials that How to Train Your Dragon aims to pay tribute to its earlier film series rather than forging a fresh path. The live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon is likely to experience narrative and tonal changes, but it’s anticipated to retain the core essence of the original animated movies. While it’s commendable that the live-action adaptation aims to preserve the elements that made the animated films successful, it could potentially improve by altering one significant twist from the original stories.

Valka Was Believed Dead In How To Train Your Dragon, But Appeared In The Sequel

Valka’s Survival Twist Was A Crucial Story Beat In The Second Film

In the initial “How to Train Your Dragon” movie, stories about Valka suggest that she was abducted by a dragon shortly after Hiccup’s birth. Since no trace of her was found following this event and she didn’t return, the people of Berk assumed she had perished. However, in “How to Train Your Dragon 2”, Hiccup comes across an enigmatic dragon rider on his journey to halt Drago Bludvist. Shockingly, he discovers that this mysterious figure is none other than his long-lost mother, Valka.

Valka explains why she’s been gone by disclosing that, much like him, she uncovered the real story about dragons. This revelation led her to commit herself to saving them from Drago, and she did so by transporting them all to a colossal island sanctuary. From thereon, Valka plays a pivotal role in the second animated film’s narrative, eventually reconnecting with her husband Stoick at home. Known as both “the Dragon Thief” and the “Rogue Dragon Rider,” Valka predominantly rides Cloudjumper, the Stormcutter dragon who had abducted her from her village prior to her being thought dead.

The Live-Action How To Train Your Dragon Hopefully Teases Valka’s Survival

Her Survival Does Not Have To Be A Mystery Till The Second Film

Viewers likely know the storyline from the original animated “How to Train Your Dragon” films before watching the live-action version. Since they already know about Valka’s survival twist, it won’t hold the same shock value as it did in the original movies. In the live-action films, this could appear as an unnecessary repetition of the original storyline’s lore. Consequently, it seems logical that the live-action film would benefit from reworking Valka’s narrative. Rather than setting up her death at the hands of a dragon, the movie could subtly suggest that her whereabouts are still unclear.

I think it would add an interesting layer to the storyline if the film series introduced Valka earlier, showing how she formed a bond with Stormcutter after her capture. This could draw a captivating parallel between Valka and Hiccup’s journeys, demonstrating that while Hiccup may not be as strong as his father or other tribe members, he shares his mother’s compassion for the misjudged dragons.

Valka Is A Vital Character In The How To Train Your Dragon Series

Valka Returns In How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

In the second “How to Train Your Dragon” movie, Valka not only assists Hiccup in comprehending his affection for dragons but also bolsters him and inspires him to remain resilient during the loss of his father, Stoick. If it weren’t for her, Hiccup may have found it difficult to summon the courage to face Drago. Following Stoick’s demise, Valka assumes the role of the supportive parent Hiccup needs by choosing to stay in Berk instead of living in solitude for nearly two decades. In the third film, she also emerges as a source of guidance for Hiccup once he assumes the chieftain position of Berk.

Given that Valka is unlikely to appear in the first live-action “How to Train Your Dragon” film, no casting decisions for her role have been announced yet. Nevertheless, given Cate Blanchett’s exceptional performance as Valka in the animated films, it would be ideal if she were to reprise her role in the live-action movies as well. Given Valka’s significant role in Hiccup’s “How to Train Your Dragon” saga, the live-action movie series might opt for an accomplished actress like Cate Blanchett to portray her and potentially introduce some adjustments to her original storyline.

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2025-04-27 05:19

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