'How To Train Your Dragon 3' Release Date Pushed To 2017 - Original 2016 Plan Delayed After Minimal US Success Of Sequel?

2014's How to Train Your Dragon 2 didn't garner too much domestic box office success (compared to the first film of the franchise) but another sequel was announced and set for 2016 - until this week, that is. Now How to Train Your Dragon 3 has been officially pushed to a 2017 release date and many sources believe it's because of the most recent film's foreign success.

Here is an excerpt from the official press release in regards to this release date delay:

On the heels of the success of their latest epic adventure, Hiccup and Toothless have plans to soar across the big screen once again with the announcement of the third chapter in DreamWorks Animation's How to Train Your Dragon series shifting to a June 9, 2017release date. From the same creative team as the first two films, writer/director Dean DeBlois and producer Bonnie Arnold, How to Train Your Dragon 3 continues the story where the sequel leaves off (sorry folks, no spoilers here). Returning cast includes Jay Baruchel as Hiccup, America Ferrera as Astrid and Cate Blanchett as Valka.

This statement also details the fact that a record-breaking opening in China compared to some domestic shortcomings could be the reason why the delay occurred. In other words, DreamWorks could need a little more time to cater this next film to the foreign markets. We think this is a great idea and that it won't really change the overall story of the film.

What do you think of this news? Let us know in the comments section below!

(via Slash Film)