Interview by Paul Salfen
In an engaging conversation with Paul Salfen from AMFM Magazine, acclaimed Canadian writer, director, and producer Dean DeBlois shared his excitement and insights about the live-action adaptation of DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon. Known for his Oscar-nominated work on Disney’s Lilo & Stitch (2002) and the original animated How to Train Your Dragon (2010), DeBlois discussed the challenges of reimagining the beloved story, his collaboration with Chris Sanders, and the universal themes that continue to resonate with audiences.
DeBlois’ path to Hollywood began in a small town in Quebec, Canada, where his love for films like Star Wars and E.T. sparked a passion for storytelling. “Hollywood seemed about as far away as possible,” he admitted, reflecting on his early days balancing work at Hinton Animation Studios in Ottawa with studies at Sheridan College’s Classical Animation program. After graduating in 1990, he joined Don Bluth Studios in Dublin, Ireland, working as a layout artist and storyboard assistant on films like Thumbelina (1994) and A Troll in Central Park (1994). These experiences honed his ability to craft visually compelling narratives.
In 1994, DeBlois moved to Walt Disney Feature Animation, where he rose to Head of Story on Mulan (1998), replacing his frequent collaborator, Chris Sanders. The duo later reunited to create Lilo & Stitch (2002), a heartfelt, hand-drawn masterpiece hailed by critics as Disney’s last great traditional animated film. This success set the stage for DeBlois’ work on How to Train Your Dragon, a project that would redefine his career.
In 2008, DeBlois was recruited by Sanders to tackle DreamWorks’ struggling animated How to Train Your Dragon. “Chris called me about this movie,” DeBlois recalled. “He sold it as being in my wheelhouse—a young kid protagonist, in over his head in a world of fantasy, who bonds with a dragon. I said, ‘I’m in. I’ll be there on Monday.’” Together, they reimagined the story from scratch, focusing on the emotional bond between Hiccup, a young Viking, and Toothless, a misunderstood Night Fury dragon. Released on March 26, 2010, the film earned DreamWorks its highest critical acclaim to date and became the studio’s top-grossing non-Shrek film.
Fast forward to the live-action adaptation, which DeBlois described as a thrilling yet daunting endeavor. “I’m so sick of seeing it because I’ve watched it a hundred times in the finishing of it,” he laughed, “but it’s really fun to hand it off to the audience and get genuine reactions.” The film has sparked excitement among audiences, with kids “all stirred up” and dreaming of dragons. DeBlois noted that the live-action format allowed the team to “bring the wonder and heart from the animated movie” while creating “a very grounded sense of reality with photoreal dragons, almost as though they could exist in our world.” This immersive quality enhances the bond between Hiccup and Toothless, making their flying scenes “that much more immersive.”
For DeBlois, transitioning from animation to live action was a surreal experience. “The very first day of principal photography, we walked into the set, and it was completely dressed,” he said. “I’ve spent my career drawing and painting, working with artists who create things digitally, but never have I walked into a set. I was squealing inside.” The massive Viking village, training arena, and great hall, crafted with “incredible loving detail,” brought the world of Berk to life in a way that fulfilled DeBlois’ vision. “It’s exactly the fantasy of what you think it must be to work on a live-action film,” he added.
The live-action How to Train Your Dragon carries a powerful message for audiences, particularly young viewers. DeBlois emphasized the importance of looking beyond stereotypes, embodied by Hiccup’s journey. “He’s a bit of a teaching hero,” DeBlois explained. “He doesn’t simply subscribe to what he’s been taught. His curiosity leads him to a real, peaceful solution for his people and the dragons they’ve been at war with for so long.” This theme of compassion and independent thinking remains “relevant today as it is ever,” encouraging audiences to “think for yourself and lead with your heart.”
For aspiring storytellers inspired by the film, DeBlois offered heartfelt advice: “If it’s in your blood, if you love writing stories and drawing and creating, you can absolutely do it.” Reflecting on his own journey from a small town to Hollywood, he encouraged young creatives to pursue their passion. “We’re all part of this cycle,” he said. “We manage to cause one another to dream, and we get to do it for a living. It’s a wonderful thing.”
DeBlois’ love for his craft drives his work. “I feel so grateful,” he said. “It’s never lost on me, the rare opportunity I’ve been given.” Whether it’s this film or his next project, DeBlois strives to make every movie his favorite, ensuring that everyone involved feels proud of the result. His diverse portfolio, including music documentaries like Sigur Rós: Heima (2007) and live-action projects in development such as The Banshee and Finn Magee, showcases his versatility as a storyteller.
As DeBlois works on the sequel to the live-action How to Train Your Dragon, he hinted at its place in a larger narrative. “I’m working on it now,” he told AMFM Magazine, sparking excitement for what’s to come. With its blend of heart, spectacle, and timeless themes, the live-action How to Train Your Dragon continues to inspire audiences and solidify DeBlois’ legacy as a master storyteller.
