A crew member working on the live-action How to Train Your Dragon 2 has reportedly suffered a major injury during production. While the incident occurred away from the primary film set, it has raised significant questions regarding workplace safety and crew welfare.

Details of the Serious Injury

According to reports from Variety, the accident took place earlier this month at Sky Studios Elstree. While the production was being filmed at this location, the specific incident happened within a workshop area rather than on the active movie set.

The details of the accident are harrowing:

  • An unnamed special effects technician was involved in an incident with a saw.
  • The technician reportedly severed multiple fingers on one hand.
  • Despite undergoing "extensive" surgery, medical teams were unable to save the severed digits.

While the exact cause of the accident remains undisclosed, the incident comes at a tense time for UK productions. The crew member's union, Bectu, has recently voiced concerns regarding staff working excessive hours without the contractually required rest periods.

Production Outlook for How to Train Your Dragon 2

At this stage, production company Universal has not issued an official comment on the injury. Currently, there is no indication that the accident will cause any significant interruptions to the filming schedule or the overall production of the movie.

The upcoming sequel follows a highly successful start to the franchise's live-action era. The initial 2025 remake earned $636 million at the global box office from a $150 million budget, making a follow-up project almost certain.

Cast and Release Information

The live-action How to Train Your Dragon 2 is scheduled to launch on June 11, 2027. The film will adapt the events of the second animated installment originally released in 2014.

Director and writer Dean DeBlois returns to helm the project, with much of the original live-action cast set to reprise their roles:

  • Mason Thames (The Black Phone) as Hiccup
  • Nico Parker (The Last of Us) as Astrid
  • Gerard Butler (300) as Stoick
  • Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz) as Gobber

Additionally, Cate Blanchett (Lord of the Rings) will join the live-action cast, reprising her role from the animated series as Valka, Hiccup's mother.