'Dragon' series takes flight at Cartoon Network

An animated series based on the DreamWorks film hit "How to Train Your Dragon" will start on domestically on Cartoon Network, and internationally as well, with what is expected to be an initial order of more than 20 episodes. We felt that the story and the characters would make a great television show said Cartoon Network topper Stuart Snyder, who is animation, young adults and kids’ business prexy-chief operating officer for Turner.

Now the work really begins, developing and fleshing out the show. I responded most to the blend of comedy and the action, he said. I think it's a great story, a great basis for our audience, which loves comedy and action in combination. If you look at our lineup, we have instances of shows like 'Clone Wars' and others that I call blends of action and comedy. Announcement comes three days before the DVD release of the film, which is approaching the $500 million mark in worldwide grosses. There is also a film sequel of the property skedded for release in 2013, the year after the TV series debuts.

"It is extremely exciting to be able to bring viewers deeper into the world of dragons and tell new stories each week inspired by our characters from the film," DreamWorks Animation COO Ann Daly said. DWA has had success with Nickelodeon's "The Penguins of Madagascar," adapted from its "Madagascar" franchise. Cartoon Network also said that it will premiere "The Legend of the BoneKnapper Dragon," an animated short that is part of the "How to Train Your Dragon" DVD bonus package, at 8 p.m. Thursday.