‘How to Train Your Dragon 3’ Release Date, Plot: Will the Final Film Adopt a Darker Tone?

Since “How to Train Your Dragon” first hit theaters back in 2010, the franchise quickly accumulated fans all over the world. One of the main protagonists, Toothless, captured the hearts of many with his quirky attributes and the sheer devastation he causes when he’s unleashed. Now, the franchise is on its third installment in the form of “How to Train Your Dragon 3” and is expected to be the best among the trilogy, Otaku Art reported.

This is quite the tall order given how well-executed the two previous films were. The first one was more of an adventurous journey of a boy forming an unlikely friendship with what his fellow villagers consider a mindless beast. The second movie was darker in tone as a beloved supporting character was killed off by one of the main protagonists. Now, “How to Train Your Dragon 3” seems to be going for an epic conclusion and adopting the same tone as the second film.

While the plot for the third installment is being kept under wraps, the trailer hints at a possible heartbreaking ending. In the trailer for “How to Train Your Dragon 3”, Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) opened up with “There were dragons, when I was a boy.”

While that line may seem quotidian at first, the past tense “were” is an indication that there will be a major event in “How to Train Your Dragon 3” that will fragment the relationship between humans and dragons. Of course, this is mere speculation at this point. But given that film director Dean DeBlois already exhibited he can incorporate a dark twist into a family-oriented movie, it’s possible that a heart-wrenching scene will be included in the upcoming film.

This speculation is strengthened by Steven Spielberg’s commentary regarding the screenplay written by Deblois. Spielberg works as a consultant for the film and after Deblois wrote the third draft of the screenplay for “How to Train Your Dragon 3,” he handed it over to Spielberg.

“I cannot believe what I just read. And I had a problem reading the last part of it through my tears,” Spielberg said regarding “How to Train Your Dragon 3.” “It’s a complete unqualified classic and better than the original. I’ve never witnessed this kind of transformation from the last two drafts I read to this one. I only wish I had points.”

Spielberg, of course, didn’t provide details as to how exactly the screenplay made him cry, whether it was because of a heartbreaking ending or simply the brilliance of Deblois’ writing. Whatever the case, it seems “How to Train Your Dragon 3” is going to provide quite the emotional roller-coaster when it finally hits theaters on March 1, 2019. And given that it’s going to be the last film of the franchise, fans are likely going to bawl their eyes out after watching the final installment.