The world of cinema is amazing because it allows you to dive into a completely different time and dimension. This world allows you to be part of exciting adventures. Who is behind the creation of your favourite films and series? We want to tell you about Dean DeBlois, who revealed his talent in Ottawa. You can read more about his career and true cinematic masterpieces at ottawa-trend.com.
First steps in animation
He was born in Quebec and loved comics from childhood. They influenced his ability to draw, imagine, and tell stories. He grew up in a poor family, so he could not afford to buy comics. Dean DeBlois visited a nearby store on weekends, and its owner allowed him to carefully and, most importantly, freely read his favourite comics. After that, he went home and drew them.
The first step for the future film director was a position as an assistant animator and layout artist at Hinton Animation Studios/Lacewood Productions in Ottawa. It is an animation studio and production company, founded in 1988, known for the television series “Katie and Orbie” and many other works.
Dean DeBlois managed to combine work and study. He chose a three-year classical animation program at the Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (formerly the Sheridan College of Applied Arts and Technology).
While studying and working, Dean DeBlois took part in the following projects:
- in the television series “The Raccoons.” The animated television series was broadcast from 1985 to 1991 on the Disney Channel. The franchise was created by Kevin Gillis in cooperation with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation;
- in the television special “The Teddy Bears’ Picnic”;
- in the full-length animated romantic fantasy film “The Nutcracker Prince.” The film was directed by Paul Schibli with a screenplay by Patricia Watson.
First well-known works
In 1990, Dean DeBlois graduated from his studies in Ontario. The next important career step was working at Sullivan Bluth Studios in Dublin, Ireland. He worked for the American film director, animator, video game designer, and author Donald Virgil Bluth. During this period, the following well-known full-length animated films of 1994 were created: “A Troll in Central Park” and “Thumbelina.”
After that, he moved to Los Angeles to work at Walt Disney Feature Animation as a storyboard artist. There he worked with Chris Sanders, the head of the story for the animated film “Mulan.” Then there was work on the production of the famous 2001 film “Atlantis: The Lost Empire.” Dean DeBlois left this job to create the animated film “Lilo & Stitch” with Chris Sanders.
The film Heima
Dean DeBlois sold several original feature films to such well-known studios as Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, and Universal Studios. This is the ghost story “Banshee and Finn Maghee,” the psychological thriller “The Lighthouse,” and the family adventure series “Observatory.”
And then there was the film Heima. It is a feature-length musical-drama film and a double DVD about the band Sigur Rós’s tour of Iceland in the summer of 2006. Dean DeBlois became the director of the film, and the production was handled by John Best, Dean O’Connor, and Finnur Johansson. The film was released on September 27, 2007.
Return to feature animation
In October, Dean DeBlois returned to feature animation. It was a fateful decision, as he became the co-writer and co-director of DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon.” In this work, he teamed up with Chris Sanders again. The well-known and popular film had many problems during production. The original story was not working, which is why the management decided to bring in DeBlois and Sanders. Their duo allowed them to rethink the plot, characters, and visual style directly.
Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders focused on the story of the friendship between a teenage Viking and a dragon. This plot was much more emotional than the initial concept. The directors managed the project until the film’s release in March 2010. This work was successful and received high ratings from critics. We should not forget about the love of the audience. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards. It is also worth noting that the film “How to Train Your Dragon” became the highest-grossing film for DreamWorks Animation in North America, not including the “Shrek” franchise.
Trilogy
Such a successful work on the film “How to Train Your Dragon” became a powerful impetus for Dean DeBlois’s next works. He became a key figure in the creation of the entire trilogy. In addition to directing, he single-handedly wrote the scripts for both sequels. This is a considerable rarity in animated films.
On June 13, 2014, the film “How to Train Your Dragon 2” was released. Dean DeBlois not only developed the story but also delved into adult themes. He revealed the world of the Viking Hiccup and the dragon Toothless. In one of his interviews, the film director explained what he was trying to expand. For example, he wanted to explain what the Vikings did on the harsh island of Berk and why they fought dragons. For example, these details were omitted in the original, although they influenced the perception of the entire story. He made time to explore Astrid, as this character was underestimated in the animated version due to screen time. This film received positive reviews from critics and audiences.
The final part of the trilogy was released on February 22, 2019. “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” became an emotional finale for the entire series. This work completed the story of Hiccup and Toothless, showing their farewell and the dragons’ final move to a secret place.
“Micronauts”
On September 23, 2019, the film adaptation of the novel “Micronauts” based on the toys of the same name took place. Paramount Pictures announced that Dean DeBlois wrote the screenplay and directed the film adaptation of the popular novel.
In February 2023, the work on the live-action “How to Train Your Dragon” film was officially announced. This is his debut as a director in a live-action film. This is another important step in his career. He worked with live actors for the first time. This is a difficult and important story that he was able to transfer to the big screen.
The American fantasy adventure film and live-action remake of the 2010 animated film were released in 2025. The film was shot by Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Marc Platt Productions. The film was broadcast by Universal. This film received positive reviews and was a commercial success. Dean DeBlois noted that the team worked hard to create the best story and use everything that really works. For example, the team created a grounded feel that live actors can provide. The mythology, character storylines, and relationships were expanded. And when it came to flying and action scenes, the team worked to create a sense of complete immersion for the audience in the story.
The planned sequel, based on the second film of the trilogy, is scheduled for June 11, 2027.
Talented film director
Dean DeBlois is a multifaceted person. His film career began to develop rapidly in Ottawa, but he did not limit himself to animation. He gradually began to expand his creative range, experimenting and trying his hand at musical films and live-action cinema. The film director gained the most fame and recognition thanks to “How to Train Your Dragon.”
