Inside the How to Train Your Dragon 2 Set Accident That Cost a Crew Member Fingers

Somehow, the live-action 'How to Train Your Dragon 2' managed to land in the news—not because of any wild new casting or that ever-controversial dragon CGI, but because of an on-set accident that nobody ever wants to hear about. So, here’s what actually happened as the movie continues production in the UK.

Live-Action Sequel Filming—Then Things Take a Turn

Universal's live-action reboot of ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ (yes, a remake of the DreamWorks Animation sequel) is in full swing at Sky Studios Elstree. It’s being written and directed by Dean DeBlois, who also handled the original animated movies. The movie has a stacked cast—more on that in a second.

But things took a serious turn earlier this month: a crewmember, reportedly a special effects technician, was badly injured while working in a workshop on the studio lot. The specific “how” is almost absurdly old-school: an incident with a saw led to the person losing multiple fingers on one hand.

'Despite extensive surgery, the severed digits were not able to be reattached.'

That’s straight from on-set sources. Variety was first to report the details and reached out to Universal, but so far, the studio isn’t saying anything more.

What Else Do We Know?

• Timing: The accident happened off-set at a workshop, not during any big set piece or stunt, earlier this month.
• Production start: Filming kicked off back in late January 2026.
• Cast highlights: Mason Thames is back as Hiccup. Nico Parker returns as Astrid. The lineup also includes Gerard Butler (Stoick), Cate Blanchett (Valka), Nick Frost (Gobber), Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (Drago Bludvist), Phil Dunster (Eret), Gabriel Howell (Snotlout), Julian Dennison (Fishlegs), Bronwyn James (Ruffnut), and Harry Trevaldwyn (Tuffnut).
• Release plan: They're targeting July 11, 2027, for the US theatrical release.
• First film update: The original live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (the first in this new series) dropped last year and is up for streaming on Netflix if you want to catch up.

Bottom Line

No word yet on how the accident will affect the shoot, or if any safety protocols are being re-examined. What we do know is that these sorts of incidents—no matter how ‘off-set’ they might be—are always a reminder that a lot of invisible work (and risk) goes into bringing movies like this to life. Here’s hoping for a full recovery for the crew member involved.