The excitement is building for fans of the beloved franchise with the release of the teaser trailer for Universal Pictures’ live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon. Scheduled to hit theaters on June 13, 2025, this film is set to be a precise remake of the cherished 2010 animated version created by DreamWorks Animation.
The new film, directed and written by Dean DeBlois, features Mason Thames stepping into the role of Hiccup, alongside Nico Parker as Astrid. The cast also includes notable actors like Gerard Butler, who reprises his role as Stoick the Vast, as well as Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, and Murray McArthur.
The story follows Hiccup, a young Viking who aims to hunt dragons but instead forms a bond with one named Toothless. A pivotal moment from the teaser shows Hiccup telling his father, “Dad, I can’t kill dragons,” to which Stoick responds, “But you will,” reflecting the film’s themes of conflict and companionship.
DeBlois, a long-time contributor to the franchise, continues his involvement by writing and directing this new adaptation. This live-action feature is inspired not only by the animated film he co-directed but also by the book series by Cressida Cowell, showcasing a compelling blend of nostalgia and innovation.
The How to Train Your Dragon franchise has made a significant impact, garnering four Academy Award nominations and achieving over $1.6 billion in global box office revenue. The success of the 2010 animated feature led to two sequels, the latest being How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, as well as multiple short films and television series that have kept audiences engaged.
With Mason Thames emerging as a fresh face in cinema—previously seen in Universal’s horror film The Black Phone and Netflix’s teen comedy Incoming—the live-action adaptation is poised to garner attention from both longtime fans and a new generation.
This upcoming film represents a beautiful opportunity to revisit a cherished story, combining the wonder of animation with the immersive experience of live-action storytelling. There is tremendous potential for the new How to Train Your Dragon to capture hearts and inspire viewers once more.