Ted Lasso star Phil Dunster is set to join the star-studded cast of Universal Pictures' live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon 2. Dunster will bring to life the character of Eret, who was first introduced in the 2014 animated movie as a cocky, boastful, and self-proclaimed "finest dragon trapper alive."
Dunster joins a formidable lineup of actors including Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Cate Blanchett, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, and Harry Trevaldwyn in the sequel to Universal's 2025 hit that earned a staggering $636 million worldwide. The franchise is based on the best-selling books series by Cressida Cowell.
Dean DeBlois, who co-created the screen franchise and wrote and directed last year's live-action outing, is back as writer, director, and executive producer of the feature. The movie continues the adventures of Hiccup (Thames), the dragon-befriending Viking who opened up his village to the possibilities of coexisting with the flying, fire-breathing creatures.
The story centers on the return of Hiccup's believed-to-be-dead mother and the danger posed by Drago Bludvist, a man who wants to conquer the world using a dragon army. Marc Platt (Wicked) is producing via his Universal-based Marc Platt Productions alongside Adam Siegel, president of Marc Platt Productions. Universal has set a June 11, 2027 release date for the feature.
Dunster is best known for his Emmy-nominated performance as the cocky, boastful "Jamie Tartt" in Apple TV's hit Ted Lasso. It was announced Wednesday that season four of the series would be debuting this summer. Dunster will also be seen alongside Steve Carell in the Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses comedy series Rooster for HBO.
Dunster is represented by CAA, Brillstein Entertainment Partners, UK's United Agents, and Jackoway Austen.
