The beloved story of “How to Train Your Dragon” is set to make a comeback, this time as a live-action film produced by Universal Pictures. Dean DeBlois, the writer and director behind the successful animated trilogy, is once again taking the reins of this new adaptation. Although there has been some skepticism among fans about the necessity of a live-action version, DeBlois is confident that the story of a young Viking forming a bond with a dragon will resonate differently in this new format. He emphasized the heightened stakes that come with a fully realized, photo-realistic dragon, stating, “It’s so dialed-up in terms of stakes — having a fully credible, photo-real dragon stomping around trying to kill him.”
Cressida Cowell, the author of the original book series, has shown her support for the film through a positive Instagram post following her visit to the set in Northern Ireland. While the new cast, including Gerard Butler, Mason Thames, Nick Frost, and others, will inevitably be compared to their animated predecessors, many are eager to see how this live-action interpretation translates to the big screen. The animated films garnered over $1.6 billion globally, making the anticipation for this new release quite significant.
The first trailer offers a glimpse of Toothless, who remains undeniably charming, showcasing his glossy scales, perky wings, and expressive green eyes. It appears that the live-action will steer clear of the overly realistic styles seen in previous adaptations, instead capturing the whimsical nature of the original.
The film includes a talented cast featuring Gerard Butler reprising his voice role, alongside newcomers like Mason Thames and Ruth Codd. The narrative will follow similar themes to the animated version, highlighting the tender relationship between Hiccup and Toothless against a backdrop of sweeping Nordic landscapes and family dynamics.
Fans can look forward to “How to Train Your Dragon,” which is scheduled to hit theaters on June 13, 2025. This release promises to reignite the magic of the original story while bringing new life to the beloved characters.
With such strong involvement from the original creators and the positive reception of the trailer, there is much hope that this adaptation will capture the hearts of both old fans and new audiences alike. It’s an exciting time for “How to Train Your Dragon” enthusiasts as they await a fresh take on this cherished tale.