AceShowbiz - How to Train Your Dragon 2 is gearing up for its release on June 11, 2027, and one of its key cast members has opened up about the nature of his character, drawing comparisons to a film icon.

Phil Dunster, who recently joined the cast as Eret, a character originally voiced by Kit Harington in the animated franchise, described Eret’s personality as having a "swashbuckling" charm reminiscent of Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Dunster told Cinemablend that his portrayal of Eret embodies a "dragon-esque Jack Sparrow" vibe.

"His whole, like, swashbuckling... He had a little bit of Jack Sparrow in him, like a dragon-esque Jack Sparrow," Dunster explained.

The actor also expressed appreciation for the groundwork laid by Harington, whose vocal performance in the animated films gave him a strong foundation to build upon.

"It's honestly so much fun to do that, and it's so nice to have the template that's already existing," Dunster said.

Production on How to Train Your Dragon 2 has been underway, and Dunster described the atmosphere on set as "joyful," crediting director, writer, and producer Dean DeBlois for cultivating a collaborative and inspiring environment.

"Dean, the director... he's made this world, and everyone's living on it. It's beautiful," Dunster remarked.

Eret is a returning character who first appeared in both How to Train Your Dragon and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. In the story, he begins as a dragon trapper working for the antagonist Drago Bludvist but undergoes a transformation when he nearly loses his life due to Drago’s cruelty. This pivotal moment leads Eret to join forces with the dragon riders.

Alongside his work on this franchise, Dunster is known for his Emmy-nominated role as Jamie Tartt on Ted Lasso. His other screen credits include Murder on the Orient Express, Judy, Strike Back, The Devil's Hour, and the upcoming HBO series Rooster starring Steve Carell.

The live-action sequel boasts an ensemble cast featuring Mason Thames as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Gabriel Howell, Julian Dennison, Harry Trevaldwyn, Bronwyn James, and Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick the Vast. Additionally, Cate Blanchett returns to the franchise as Valka Haddocka, a character she voiced in the original animated films.

The first live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon, released in 2025, was a significant box office success. It opened at number one and went on to gross $636 million during its theatrical run. The film earned a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, holding a 77% critic score and an audience score of 97%.

At the upcoming Saturn Awards, the original live-action film has received nominations in several categories, including Best Fantasy Film, Best Film Visual/Special Effects, and Best Younger Performer in a Film for Mason Thames.

Even before the release of the 2025 remake, Universal announced plans for a sequel, confirming that the next installment would be a live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon 2. The story follows Hiccup’s emotional journey as he reunites with his mother, long believed to be deceased.