TED LASSO Star Phil Dunster Joins HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 as Eret
Universal Pictures is adding some extra attitude to its growing dragon-filled universe. Phil Dunster, best known for playing the endlessly confident Jamie Tartt on Apple TV’s Ted Lasso, has officially joined the cast of How to Train Your Dragon 2, the upcoming live-action sequel to the studio’s massively successful reboot.
Dunster is set to play Eret, a character fans will recognize from the 2014 animated sequel. Eret enters the story as a loud, self-assured dragon trapper who proudly calls himself the “finest dragon trapper alive.” If there’s anyone perfectly suited to sell that kind of ego with charm, it’s Dunster.
The actor joins a stacked ensemble that includes Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nico Parker as Astrid, with Gerard Butler returning to the franchise as Stoick.
The cast also features Cate Blanchett, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, and Harry Trevaldwyn. The sequel follows Universal’s 2025 live-action How to Train Your Dragon, which soared to an impressive $636 million worldwide and proved audiences were more than ready to revisit Berk.
Once again, the story comes from Dean DeBlois, who co-created the original animated trilogy and handled writing and directing duties on the first live-action film. DeBlois returns as writer, director, and executive producer, ensuring the sequel stays true to the heart of the franchise based on the beloved book series by Cressida Cowell.
The film adapts the second chapter of the saga and continues Hiccup’s journey as a Viking who changed his world by choosing friendship over fear.
The story expands the mythology in a big way, bringing in Hiccup’s long-lost mother and introducing the looming threat of Drago Bludvist, a ruthless figure determined to dominate the world with a dragon army at his command.
Producing duties fall to Marc Platt through Marc Platt Productions, alongside Adam Siegel, the company’s president. Universal has already locked in a June 11, 2027 release date, signaling serious confidence in the franchise’s future.
Outside of dragons and Vikings, Dunster is staying busy. His Emmy-nominated turn as Jamie Tartt remains one of Ted Lasso’s standout performances, and it was recently announced that season four of the series will debut this summer.
He’ll also appear opposite Steve Carell in Rooster, a new comedy series from Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses headed to HBO.
With Dunster stepping into Eret’s boots, How to Train Your Dragon 2 just gained a shot of swagger that should translate beautifully into live action.
Source: THR