Ólafur Darri Ólafsson Joins ‘How To Train Your Dragon 2’ As Drago

Universal is clearly not wasting any time turning its How to Train Your Dragon live-action success into a full-fledged franchise.

According to Deadline, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson is set to join How to Train Your Dragon 2, taking on the role of Drago Bludvist—the intimidating big bad originally voiced by Djimon Hounsou in the animated sequel. And yes, if you’ve seen Ólafsson brood his way through shows like Severance or Trapped, you can already picture how intense this version of Drago could be.

Ólafsson joins a cast that’s shaping up to be stacked. Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, and Harry Trevaldwyn are all returning, with Cate Blanchett recently announced as a major new addition. That mix of familiar faces and heavyweight talent suggests Universal is going big for round two.

Behind the camera, the studio is keeping things consistent. Dean DeBlois—who’s been guiding the franchise since day one—returns to write, direct, and executive produce the sequel. Marc Platt and Adam Siegel are producing, with the film officially set for a June 11, 2027 release.

Story-wise, Drago’s arrival is a major signal. He’s not just another villain—he represents one of the darkest chapters in the Dragon saga, directly challenging Hiccup’s belief that humans and dragons can coexist. Bringing him into the live-action universe suggests the sequel will lean into higher stakes, tougher choices, and a more emotionally charged story, much like the animated How to Train Your Dragon 2 did back in the day.

The confidence makes sense. Universal’s live-action How to Train Your Dragon flew to a massive $636.4 million worldwide, becoming the franchise’s biggest box office hit to date and one of 2025’s top releases overall. With the animated films collectively earning more than $2.2 billion and racking up Oscar nominations along the way, the studio clearly sees long-term potential here.

As for Ólafsson, he’s been everywhere lately, with appearances in Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue, Severance Season 2, Somebody Somewhere Season 3, La Palma, and Your Friends and Neighbors. Casting him as Drago feels like a smart move if Universal wants a villain who’s as psychologically intimidating as he is physically threatening.

Bottom line: if the first live-action film proved this world could work outside animation, How to Train Your Dragon 2 looks ready to push things into darker, bolder territory—and Drago’s arrival might be the clearest sign yet that the franchise is growing up right alongside its audience.