Star Wars actor Liam Neeson is currently in negotiations to provide the voice for the dragon in the Dragonheart reboot. The original Dragonheart film was released in 1996 and was not based on a book or comic; it featured an original story by Patrick Read Johnson and Charles Edward Pogue. Directed by Rob Cohen, the film starred Dennis Quaid, David Thewlis, Pete Postlethwaite, Dina Meyer, and Sean Connery.
The original 1996 film achieved moderate success for Universal Pictures, prompting the production company to explore direct-to-video releases. While the exact success of the subsequent films is difficult to determine, the fact that four sequels were made suggests a reasonable level of success.
These direct-to-video releases boasted impressive voice talent, including Ben Kingsley (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) in Dragonheart 3: The Sorcerer’s Curse, Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: Picard) in Dragonheart: Battle for the Heartfire, and Helena Bonham Carter (Enola Holmes) in Dragonheart: Vengeance.
Initially, plans were in place for another direct-to-video sequel following the 2020 film. However, according to the latest news, it appears that a reboot is now being pursued by Universal instead of another direct-to-video instalment.
Liam Neeson To Possibly Star In A Dragonheart Reboot
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According to reports from Giant Freakin Robot, it has been confirmed that Liam Neeson will lend his voice to the dragon in the upcoming Dragonheart film. Joining him in the cast will be Taron Egerton (Tetris, Kingsman: The Secret Service), and the film will be directed by Gareth Evans. The inclusion of Egerton and Evans suggests that this new instalment may have a larger scope and ambition compared to previous entries in the series.
The landscape of direct-to-video releases has undergone significant changes since 2020, especially with the advent of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Disney Plus, and Apple TV Plus. Previously, low-budget films were primarily released on DVDs and Blu-rays, but now streaming platforms have become the preferred distribution channels. Moreover, the budgets allocated for streaming films have increased, resulting in higher production values and improved quality.
Credit: Universal Pictures
While it remains uncertain whether the new film will be released on streaming platforms, it is likely that it will find its way to services such as Peacock and possibly Amazon Prime Video. Gareth Evans, the director of the film, has recently worked on Havoc, set to be released on Netflix this year, and his previous film Apostle (2018), was also released on Netflix.
However, there is a possibility that the new film may receive a theatrical release, considering Universal’s interest in rebooting the franchise. The film is described as a story of a knight forming an unlikely bond with a dragon to confront an ancient evil. This indicates a departure from the narrative of the original 1996 film. In other words, the film intends to present a fresh story rather than retelling the events of the first film.
Liam Neeson To Voice The Dragon in Dragonheart
Credit: Universal Pictures
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From a personal perspective, I found great enjoyment in watching the original film starring Dennis Quaid and Sean Connery. Connery’s voice was a perfect fit for the dragon character, and I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between the knight and the dragon as they cunningly deceived others for their own gain. The concept of the dragon’s heart being connected to another person has been a central theme throughout the Dragonheart film series, and it added an intriguing layer to the story.
Given my fondness for the original film, I am eagerly looking forward to the reboot. However, I am curious to see how Gareth Evans, known for his works like The Raid and Apostle, will approach this project. Dragonheart presents a departure from his previous ventures, and I am intrigued to see how he will bring his unique vision to this new instalment.
What do you think of Liam Neeson being the voice of the dragon in Universal’s Dragonheart reboot? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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