DreamWorks Animation has acquired the rights to “How to Train Your Dragon” author Cressida Cowell’s new fantasy novel series, “The Wizards of Once,” the studio announced in a statement Thursday.
“Wizards of Once” is set in a world of magic where wizards and warriors collide, and is filled with the same type of action, adventure and humor that propelled the first two “How to Train Your Dragon” films to a combined $1.1 billion at the global box office. The third installment in that series, “How to Train Your Dragon 3,” is currently in production and scheduled for a March 1, 2019 release.
“Cressida is part of the DreamWorks family and with The Wizards of Once she once again anchors a new franchise for us,” DreamWorks Feature Animation Group President Chris deFaria said in the statement. “The story is packed with the perfect elements to create a unique magical universe inhabited by adventurous, funny and memorable characters that will enthrall generations to come. We are honored to have another opportunity to partner with this amazingly creative author.”
“I am absolutely thrilled to be continuing my partnership with DreamWorks Animation,” Cowell said in the statement. “The artistry and technical wizardry of their creative team is simply unparalleled. DreamWorks Animation is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in animation, and they have the imagination, ambition and vision that every writer dreams of. I have been blown away by their ability to translate the spirit, heart, humor and adventure of my ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ books to the screen, and I know that they will be able to do the same with ‘The Wizards of Once.’”
The first installment of the book series, “The Wizards of Once” will be released this fall through Hodder Children’s Books in the United Kingdom, and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers in the United States. Cowell is represented by Nicky Lund of David Higham Associates Ltd., WME and attorney David Colden.