DreamWorks readies How to Train Your Dragon 2

DreamWorks is quickly mobilizing a sequel to its surprise success HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON with Jay Baruchel, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, T.J. Miller and Kristen Wiig all set to reprise their voice roles from the original. The studio is working to have the film in theaters for 2013 with co-director of the original Dean DeBlois taking the reins of the sequel.

Sometimes it’s weird how it works with sequels. DreamWorks was hot to turn MONSTERS VS. ALIENS into a mega-franchise but the box-office on that film was a disappointment and the studio quickly shuttered any plans for a sequel. Meanwhile, DRAGON was expected to be the the third tier DWA release for 2010 (behind SHREK FOREVER AFTER and MEGAMIND) but hit big with critics and kids and could wind up being their biggest hit of the year, spawning an unexpected sequel.

The good news for the DRAGON creative team is that the original was setup as a prequel to the books by Cressida Cowell, which leaves nine books to draw inspiration from for future sequels. DRAGON 2 joins the Seth Rogen-voiced ghost comedy BOO U. and TRUCKERS in 2013 and will hit DVD and Blu-ray this Friday.