Yesterday, we announced that DreamWorks is struggling, cutting back on the number of films it makes while closing a major studio and laying off 500 employees. The studio is currently in the middle of a huge financial crisis, with Mr. Peabody & Sherman, Rise of the Guardians, and Turbo underperforming and causing a combined loss of $153 million. These financial problems are causing massive schedule changes for the struggling animation studio, and now How to Train Your Dragon 3 is delayed yet again.
Although How to Train Your Dragon 2 was critically acclaimed, it failed to generate the revenue the studio was hoping for, and the anticipated sequel was already delayed until 2017. With the intense financial crisis the studio finds itself in, the third installment is being pushed back yet another year, and we will not see Hiccup and Toothless again until 2018 now.
Other projects are in jeopardy now. Mumbai Musical, Madagascar 4 and Puss in Boots 2: Nine Lives & 40 Thieves were previously announced, and were slated for 2017 and 2018, but following all of the unfortunate news that DreamWorks has been having, none of these films have been rescheduled. B.O.O.: Bureau of Other Worldly Operations was already put back in development in November 2014.
DreamWorks Animation Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey Katzenberg has stated, “The number one priority for DreamWorks Animation’s core film business is to deliver consistent creative and financial success. I am confident that this strategic plan will deliver great films, better box office results, and growing profitability across our complementary businesses.”
Are you disappointed that How To Train Your Dragon 3 was delayed again? What do you think will happen to the other films that haven’t been rescheduled?
Edited by: Morgan Stradling
