How DreamWorks Almost Made a Very Different How to Train Your Dragon (Ep. 37)

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey take a deep dive into the history of How to Train Your Dragon and how it became one of DreamWorks’ most beloved franchises. Plus, they break down all the latest Universal news!

• First-Time Viewing Experience: Eric shares his reaction to watching How to Train Your Dragon for the first time and how it changed his excitement for Epic Universe’s Isle of Berk.
• The Making of How to Train Your Dragon: How DreamWorks nearly made a very different version of the film before Chris Sanders & Dean DeBlois took over.
• Dog Man Comes to Universal Orlando: Meet & greets and themed food debut in DreamWorks Land just days after the movie’s release.
• Dark Universe Updates: BioReconstruct captures street performers inside Darkmoor Village, hinting at the immersive experience ahead.
• Mardi Gras 2025 Kicks Off: Huge crowds pack into Universal Orlando for opening weekend, with T-Pain headlining the first concert.
• New Tribute Store – Legends of the Bayou: Universal embraces cryptid lore, with rooms themed to the Moss Man and Grunch Road Monster.
• Rip Ride Rockit’s Closing Date Announced: The ride will officially shut down on September 20, 2025, with speculation on when demolition will begin.

This episode is packed with theme park updates, animation history, and plenty of dragon talk. Whether you’re a longtime How to Train Your Dragon fan or just excited for Epic Universe, this one’s for you!

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