James Bobin to Direct Ryan Reynolds in Netflix’s ‘Dragon’s Lair’ Adaptation

by Annika June 24, 2025

James Bobin, known for his work on Disney’s The Muppets, is reportedly in discussions to direct Netflix’s Dragon’s Lair. The film is an adaptation of the popular 1980s arcade game. Ryan Reynolds is set to star and produce alongside Roy Lee, Trevor Engelson, Don Bluth, Gary Goldman and Jon Pomeroy.

James Bobin to Direct Ryan Reynolds in Netflix’s ‘Dragon’s Lair’ Adaptation

– James Bobin, director of Disney’s The Muppets, is in negotiations to direct Dragon’s Lair, an adaptation of a popular 1980s arcade game, for Netflix.
– The game, once the most popular in America, featured a plot about a knight rescuing a princess from an evil dragon and a wizard.
– Actor Ryan Reynolds is attached to star and produce the feature, which is also being produced by Roy Lee, Trevor Engelson, Don Bluth, Gary Goldman, and Jon Pomeroy.

James Bobin, successful Disney director of films, The Muppets and Muppets Most Wanted, is reportedly in discussion to join Dragon’s Lair project. The new Netflix film is an adaptation of a highly acclaimed 1980s arcade game of the same name, as confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter.

Ryan Reynolds is currently attached to both star in and produce this film, which initially got the green light in 2020. Other producers also include Roy Lee through Vertigo Entertainment, Trevor Engelson from Underground, along with Don Bluth, Gary Goldman, and Jon Pomeroy.

Dragon’s Lair was once the most sought-after game across America. It made its debut in 1983 and was expected to bring about a revolution in the arcade industry. It boasted movie-styled animation, crafted by Bluth, also known for directing animated classics such as An American Tail and All Dogs Go to Heaven. Additionally, it employed innovative LaserDisc technology to enhance narrative progression. Though these elements didn’t endure, the game is still beloved by many who grew up in that era. Even the popular Netflix show, Stranger Things set in the ’80s, included a cameo of the game.

The game’s storyline revolves around Dirk the Daring, a noble knight on a mission to rescue Princess Daphne from the villainous dragon Singe and the wicked wizard Mordroc.

Bobin, known for his expertise in blending comedy, puppetry, music, and emotion, as evident from his successful reboot of the Muppets in 2011, seems like the perfect choice for Dragon’s Lair. Before reestablishing his name with the Muppets, he marked his entry into the comedy world with The Flight of the Conchords series.

His career also spans to directing the 2019 adventure film, Dora and the Lost City of Gold, as well as some episodes of Disney series including The Mysterious Benedict Society and Percy Jackson and the Olympians, showcasing his flair for whimsy and family-friendly fantasy.