How To Train Your Dragon is one of DreamWorks' biggest franchises, captivating audiences with a fantasy world where vikings and dragons work together to save the day. After the smash hit of 2010, the story continued with a sequel in 2014, and the studio now has a third film on the way. How To Train Your Dragon 3 is set to hit theaters in the spring of 2019, and is being described as "the strongest in the series."

DreamWorks isn't resting on their laurels, however, and while the third installment is in production, they have already snapped up the film rights to a new franchise: The Wizards Of Once. Written by the same author who created the world of How To Train Your Dragon, this new series is also going to be adapted to the big screen for a new franchise that the company hopes will be as successful as the first.

The Wizards of Once is a brand new series by author Cressida Cowell, and the first book in the series will be published this fall. Set in a similar fantasy world that combines wizards and warriors, DreamWorks is already preparing to adapt Cowell's latest offering into a new family franchise, reports The Wrap. DreamWorks Feature Animation Group President Chris deFaria says of the project,

Cressida is part of the DreamWorks family and with The Wizards of Once she once again anchors a new franchise for us. The story is packed with the perfect elements to create a unique magical universe inhabited by adventurous, funny and memorable characters that will enthrall generations to come. We are honored to have another opportunity to partner with this amazingly creative author.

Cowell herself also spoke about the project,

I am absolutely thrilled to be continuing my partnership with DreamWorks Animation. The artistry and technical wizardry of their creative team is simply unparalleled. DreamWorks Animation is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in animation, and they have the imagination, ambition and vision that every writer dreams of. I have been blown away by their ability to translate the spirit, heart, humor and adventure of my ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ books to the screen, and I know that they will be able to do the same with ‘The Wizards of Once.'

It sounds like DreamWorks will have another family-friendly fantasy hit on their hands, especially with the massive popularity of How To Train Your Dragon sure to boost interest in the new project. Of course, as of right now, the book series hasn't even been published, and there is no news on when The Wizards Of Once will be coming to theaters. Given the time that it takes to create a feature film in this style, it's unlikely to be before we see the third installment in the How To Train Your Dragon series, but DreamWorks is sure to be pushing this one through as quickly as possible.

Next: How to Train Your Dragon 3 Release Date Delayed

We’ll keep you updated on The Wizards of Once as more information becomes available.

Source: The Wrap