DreamWorks Animation has announced that it will release How to Train Your Dragon on March 26th, 2010, instead of the previous release date, November 20th, 2009. According to DreamWorks Animation, a release date has been set for its 3D film Monsters vs. Aliens, which will be in theaters on March 27th, 2009.

How to Train Your Dragon is based on the book by Cressida Cowell, and is about Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, heir of the Viking chiefdom, but a boy with one very big problem: a hero he is not. It's the riotous story of Hiccup's quest to hunt down the fiercest dragon, bring it into submission, and hopefully pass his initiation.

How to Train Your Dragon will be followed by Shrek Goes Forth, which will be released on May 21st, 2010. The animation company is also planning a fall release, which has a working title of Mastermind, and is scheduled for November 5th, 2010.

"Slightly shifting our release schedule gives How to Train Your Dragon access to the maximum number of screens in a less crowded release window," said DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg. "We believe this provides each project with the best possible chance to succeed and is an overall positive for the Company and our shareholders."

DreamWorks Animation also plans to release Kung Fu Panda on June 6th, and Madagascar: The Crate Escape on November 7th of this year.