Amid anticipation for upcoming films, a major topic of discussion is how future How to Train Your Dragon movies can bring back David Tennant after his noticeable absence from the live-action remake. The franchise, which began its journey in 2010 with an adaptation of Cressida Cowell’s children‘s books, is exploring new territory as original cast members are swapped for new faces, but hopes remain high that Tennant may be offered a new opportunity in the continuing saga.
The transition to live-action for How to Train Your Dragon has introduced several casting shifts. The new installment, directed by longtime helm Dean DeBlois, features Mason Thames as Hiccup, with Nick Frost, Gabriel Howell, and Nico Parker joining as Gobber, Snotlout, and Astrid respectively. Gerard Butler stood out as the exception, coming back as Stoick the Vast, Hiccup’s father, having voiced him in previous animated features. However, Spitelout, originally brought to life vocally by Doctor Who’s David Tennant, was recast, with Peter Serafinowicz taking on the role. This change leaves many wondering how and when Tennant might return to the beloved universe, especially as the franchise expands with sequels already in motion.
The Reason Behind David Tennant’s Absence from the Live-Action Adaptation
David Tennant’s departure from Spitelout, despite voicing the character in both the original and its third installment as well as the associated animated series, was not due to lack of talent or interest. The rationale came down to physical casting choices for the live-action production. Dean DeBlois, during an interview featured in The Hollywood Reporter as the movie premiered, shed light on the casting process and Tennant’s omission.
“David Tennant is such a talented actor, and I felt embarrassed that we didn’t have a big enough role for him in the animated films. But the character that he played, Spitelout, who is Snotlout‘s father, is just such a big, brawny, large person that I didn’t think David would physically be the right match for him. Maybe in the future we’ll find the perfect role for him, but he’s such an ingenious actor. When it came to Gerard, he wasn’t even available when we started casting the film. He had back-to-back projects that would’ve made him inaccessible during our shooting schedule. So it was actually the actors’ strike of 2023 that jostled some of those projects around, and suddenly, there was an open window where we could grab him.”
—Dean DeBlois, Director
This explanation distinguished Tennant’s case from Gerard Butler’s, noting the logistical challenges of casting and the literal shape required for Spitelout in live-action. By contrast, Butler’s return was facilitated by fortunate timing caused by the 2023 actors’ strike, which reshuffled his existing obligations and freed him for filming.
The live-action transition also reveals an ongoing debate about matching vocal talent with physical portrayal. A comparable instance occurred with Peter Serafinowicz, who voiced Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace while Ray Park, known for stunts in X-Men and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, performed Maul’s physical role. This inverse pairing highlights broader discussions around voice and embodiment in franchise filmmaking.
Options for Bringing Back David Tennant in Future Installments
While the series’ immediate future centers on an adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon 2 for 2027, further sequels are not yet confirmed. Yet possibilities exist for Tennant’s return, either in a familiar capacity or through fresh roles tailored for evolving narratives. In the third animated film, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, Tennant also provided the voice for Ivar the Witless, a dragon trapper under the employ of the antagonists. Should a third live-action adaptation proceed, reprising such roles or assuming new ones remain on the table.
The opportunity arises for the creative team to devise original parts within the live-action interpretation, especially if subsequent movies diverge more freely from previous plotlines. Existing source material offers alternative characters, such as Eret—a dragon trapper introduced in the sequel and voiced by Game of Thrones’ Kit Harington—whose build and temperament might align better with Tennant’s presence, should the filmmakers pursue a different casting direction than before.
Though Ivar the Witless is also a physically large figure, mirroring the Spitelout predicament, inventive screenwriting could craft new roles for Tennant, embracing the flexibility of live-action storytelling. There is clear motivation to realize this, given his longstanding connection to the brand and versatile performances across both the original movies and related DreamWorks Dragons content.
Dean DeBlois’s Commitment and the Trend of Returning Franchise Stars
Arguments for Tennant’s return in future How to Train Your Dragon projects are bolstered by recent patterns. Gerard Butler’s reprisal as Stoick and reports of Cate Blanchett being in talks to return as Valka indicate a willingness within the production to honor continuity and give established actors new chances in the live-action series. With the precedent set for original cast members, the pressure mounts for director Dean DeBlois to uphold his public hope of finding the “perfect role” for Tennant in future installments.
Challenges could arise from professional commitments, as Tennant is already dedicated to season two of the series Rivals. However, with Rivals already filming, the schedule could line up to allow for his inclusion in an upcoming sequel. Fans eager to see how future How to Train Your Dragon movies can bring back David Tennant now look to DeBlois and his creative team for innovative casting solutions and meaningful character development that both honors the legacy actors and revitalizes the franchise.
Given the franchise’s expansive world and the enthusiasm of both creators and audience for returning performers such as David Tennant, the likelihood remains high that fresh avenues will be explored for his comeback, perhaps redefining fan-favorite roles or inventing entirely new ones. As more information about sequels emerges and the industry continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Dean DeBlois to fulfill his expressed intention and capitalize on Tennant’s talent within this imaginative universe.
