DreamWorks Charts a New Fantasy Course: ‘The Wizards of Once’
The world of animation has a vast landscape, from the quirky ogres of “Shrek” to the soaring dragons of “How To Train Your Dragon.” While DreamWorks is a titan in animated storytelling, they’re in the midst of a transition. As “How To Train Your Dragon” drew to a close in 2019, the hunt for the next big hit was on. With other projects underperforming, DreamWorks might have found their answer in “The Wizards of Once.” Based on the acclaimed works of Cressida Cowell, the very author behind the dragon trilogy, this upcoming venture promises a magical realm awaiting exploration.
DreamWorks and the Dragon Legacy
Over a decade, DreamWorks sculpted an enchanting tale that spanned three “How To Train Your Dragon” movies, earning a whopping $1.6 billion and amassing a vast fanbase. These films weren’t just a monetary achievement. Their heartfelt narrative and stunning visuals made them a rarity: a trilogy consistently adored by audiences and critics alike.
But all stories have their finale. “How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” provided a heartfelt closure to Hiccup’s journey. While Universal has teased fans with a live-action remake, DreamWorks Animation is in pursuit of the next gem to fill the dragon-sized void, especially after the mixed response to “The Bad Guys” and the underwhelming “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken.”
‘The Wizards of Once’: A New Tale Beckons
Enter “The Wizards of Once.” Teased back in 2017, this project is DreamWorks’ most promising asset. A series birthed from the imagination of Cressida Cowell, it delves into a realm of magic, wizards, and wonder, echoing the family-friendly allure that “How To Train Your Dragon” radiated.
While both series have fantasy at their heart, “The Wizards of Once” veers more into the classic world of sorcery, distinguishing itself from the dragon-laden skies of Berk. The pivotal factor? The literary magic of Cressida Cowell. Her storytelling prowess already transformed the “How To Train Your Dragon” books into a cinematic sensation. With the rise of YA adaptations, marked by anticipated releases like HBO’s Harry Potter series and Disney’s “Percy Jackson” reboot, the timing could be impeccable for “The Wizards of Once.”
Why ‘The Wizards of Once’ Holds the Crown
In a sea of sequels and existing franchises like “Shrek,” “Madagascar,” and “Kung Fu Panda,” fresh narratives are the need of the hour. Although DreamWorks has an arsenal of upcoming tales, none seem to carry the same promise as “The Wizards of Once.”
“Orion & The Dark” might be a compelling tale, but its introspective nature is a riskier venture. “Mice & Mystics” might need more creative molding as it’s adapted from a board game. Other projects like “Sputnik’s Guide To Life On Earth” and “Ronan Boyle & The Bridge of Riddles” carry potential but may not have the immediate recognition that a Cowell creation enjoys.
In the end, as DreamWorks navigates the post-dragon era, “The Wizards of Once” emerges as the beacon, potentially heralding the studio’s next groundbreaking saga.
