How to Train Your Dragon 2 picks up five years after the first movie, and the film acquired some new characters for the second chapter.
For the dragon trapper Eret, son of Eret, the filmmakers chose Kit Harington (Game of Thrones). “Kit showed up on a short list of possible actors to voice Eret,” says director Dean DeBlois. “I knew him from Game of Thrones and I can safely say he’s my favorite character on that series. I thought he was perfect for the role.” Producer Bonnie Arnold adds, “Eret is supposed to be about 20, the same age as Hiccup. We liked that Kit’s voice was youthful, commanding and charming at the same time.
“Game of Thrones was just taking off when we met and it was serendipitous that he’s gotten such a following in the years that we’ve been making the movie,” she says.
To play the fierce Drago Bludvist, the filmmakers turned to Academy Award- nominated actor Djimon Hounsou, a man who is known for portraying intense and often formidable roles to full effect.
“What a great, powerful voice he has,” says head of story Tom Owens. “I watched Djimon record once. When he warmed up, he made all these loud, primal noises to get himself in the mood. He really took it to another level. When he recorded, he looked furious and got really sweaty from his exertion. It was very intense and so much fun to watch.”
Finally, the character of Valka, Hiccup’s long-lost mother. From the moment he conceived Valka, DeBlois knew whom he wanted for the part: Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett.
“I wrote the character with Cate in mind, not knowing whether she’d be interested at all,” DeBlois says. “I just thought she was a perfect model. She has played characters in the past that have such a fiery strength and command to them.
“And then, when we were at the Academy Awards the year we were nominated for Dragon, I spotted Cate mixing with people before the ceremony. I walked over and introduced myself. I told her, “I wrote a part for you in How to Train Your Dragon 2, whether or not you’re interested,” DeBlois laughs. “She wanted to know more on the spot. So I told her a little bit about the character. She said, ‘Well, listen. My boys are huge fans of the first movie and we watch it a lot at our home and I’m not doing anything at the moment. Please send me the script.’”
“We were all very excited to have her onboard,” says Owens. “She’s a powerhouse actress and has such emotional depth in her speaking voice.”
How to Train Your Dragon 2 is available starting Nov. 25 on Video On Demand. Check your cable system for availability.
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