After a couple of release date nudges, things had been quiet on the news front for the third entry in DreamWorks Animation's How To Train You Dragon franchise. But with a solid 2019 date on the books, the cast is increasing by one, with F. Murray Abraham jumping aboard.
He'll be lending his voice to the role of Grimmel, a villain who will cause problems for Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and his Night Fury dragon Toothless. The respected actor joins a cast that already also includes Cate Blanchett, America Ferrara and Kit Harington, while Dean DeBlois is returning to direct.
"We are thrilled that F. Murray Abraham has joined our How To Train Your Dragon 3 cast as the villainous Grimmel," Chris deFaria, Head of DreamWorks Animation Film Group, tells Deadline. "This character brings a captivating new story line to the culmination of our trilogy. There is a gentlemanly calm to this sinister role, one that dovetails beautifully with this iconic actor’s immense range and talents."
That won't be his only voice role; he's also part of the big cast for Wes Anderson's Isle Of Dogs, out here on 30 March next year. As for How To Train Your Dragon 3, it lands, as mentioned, in 2019.