DreamWorks’ Dragons: Behind the Scenes

Hiccup and Toothless—the Gang’s All Here

“Inspired by Cressida Cowell’s juvenile book series, the film "How to Train Your Dragon" first took the world by storm in 2010, introducing us all to nerdy Viking prince Hiccup, and his fierce, loyal dragon Toothless. It was a smash hit, and in 2014 "How to Train Your Dragon 2" followed, delighting families everywhere. Together those two films grossed over $1 billion worldwide—and inspired the Netflix TV series, "Dragons: Race to the Edge." (Chances are good you already knew that, because your kids are binge-watching episodes in your basement right now.)

Dragons are so popular with families that we recently we cornered producers, Art Brown and Doug Sloan, and asked them to spill some behind-the-scenes secrets for parents about "Dragons: Race to the Edge." Here’s what they had to share:

Secret #4: Baruchel And Ferrera Are More Than Voices

Writing an episode of "Dragons: Race to the Edge" is truly a team effort. Typically, Brown and Sloan will sweat and work and create until they’ve got a script that’s ready to be recorded. Then actors Jay Baruchel (Hiccup), America Ferrera (Astrid), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Fishlegs), TJ Miller (Tuffnut) and the others will show up and make their own unique contributions to the story. It’s a formula for brings out the best in everyone.

“We improve a lot with the actors!” Brown laughs when remembering the recording sessions for season one. He admits, “Some of the [really] funny stuff comes from them.”

Secret #5: The Dragon Riders Are Growing Up

According to the producers, this Netflix TV series is set during the time between the events of "How to Train Your Dragon" and "How to Train Your Dragon 2." “Just as the characters have grown up,” Sloan says, “our fans have grown up with them. Like them, "Dragons: Race to the Edge" is just a little more sophisticated, a little more intense—and ready for adventure.”

He adds, “This series represents the ‘college years’ for our heroes. They’re striking out on their own for the first time, flying farther than ever before, confident and independent but not yet burdened by the heavy responsibilities that will come to them soon enough.”