The first trailer for the live action remake of How to Train Your Dragon has dropped and whilst the cgi looks impressive, it all seems a bit familiar
As rumoured, the first trailer for How to Train Your Dragon did officially drop for the first time exclusively in front of screenings of Wicked; you can still catch it that way and it will likely expand to showing in front of other movies soon too. The trailer shows off a first look at all the iconic locations and characters such as Gerard Butler returning as Stoick the Vast and a great showcase of all the dragons in Berk. We also see Mason Thames as Hiccup, who looks very accurate to the original, in similar winter style clothes and repping the bowl cut.
Watch the trailer here:
The live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon is set to hit theaters on June 13, 2025, with Universal Pictures producing and Dean DeBlois, the original trilogy’s director, returning to lead the project. The movie will reimagine the beloved 2010 animated classic, centering on Hiccup, a young Viking who befriends Toothless, a rare Night Fury dragon, as they work to change their dragon-fearing village’s perspectives. Mason Thames (The Black Phone) has been cast as Hiccup, with Nico Parker (The Last of Us) playing Astrid, Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick the Vast, and Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) taking on Gobber.
Cutting-edge CGI technology will bring the dragons and the world of Berk to life in this live-action retelling, aiming to capture the emotional depth and adventure of the original while offering a visually breathtaking experience. Fans of the franchise, which grossed over $1.64 billion worldwide, eagerly await how this new adaptation will balance nostalgia with a fresh perspective.
Stills and the full trailer, albeit a cam-recorded one, have sparked mixed reactions among fans, as it closely mirrors scenes, dialogue, and story beats from the original 2010 animated film. From Hiccup’s awkward relationship with his father, Stoick, to the budding bond between Hiccup and Toothless, many of the key moments appear to be lifted almost directly from the animated version. While this level of faithfulness to the source material might please some long-time fans, it raises concerns about whether the live-action adaptation will offer anything new or unique.
We’re hoping the final movie will expand on the world of Berk, explore deeper character development, or add fresh twists to the plot that make it stand apart. With the original being based on a book, it was speculated that the reason for a live action remake would be to follow the book closer and thus justify the existence of another movie, but it appears we are just retracing the steps of the original.
A one-to-one recreation may look stunning, but it risks losing the sense of discovery that made the original such a beloved classic. For a live-action adaptation to truly shine, it should balance nostalgia with bold creativity, and I’m holding out hope that the film will find a way to surprise us.
Initially scheduled to begin filming in summer 2023, the live-action How to Train Your Dragon faced delays due to the SAG-AFTRA actors’ strike. Production officially commenced on January 15, 2024, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and concluded quietly on May 16, 2024. While details about the production process remain scarce, it’s been reported that the film heavily incorporates practical effects and you can see a lot of great sets and backgrounds apparent in the trailer. It is clear on screen that they are taking full advantage of Northern Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes to bring Berk to life.
Despite the excitement surrounding the movie and a promising first trailer, much of the film remains shrouded in mystery. With leads Mason Thames and Nico Parker stepping into their first major roles of this scale, it remains to be seen how well they capture the spirit of Hiccup and Astrid.
The original How to Train Your Dragon (2010) was a cinematic triumph, lauded for its stunning visuals, heartwarming storytelling, and an emotional depth that resonated with audiences of all ages. The animated film was praised for its groundbreaking use of flight sequences, accompanied by John Powell’s incredible score, which added an epic and emotional dimension to the story.
With its critical acclaim and box office success, the film not only earned Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score but also became one of DreamWorks Animation’s most beloved properties, sparking a successful franchise that included sequels, TV series, and spinoffs.
At the end of the trailer, you can hear Powell’s score kick-in again and it’s no surprise that he has returned and that his score is being reused as it is now included in the iconicity of the franchise – his score, specifically the track “Test Drive”, has become a staple for fans and thus it makes sense to utilise that nostalgia and love for the score to invigorate a love and excitement for this one.
How to Train Your Dragon stars Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Nick Frost and Julian Dennison. The film is directed by Dean DeBlois and is set to be released on June 13, 2025 by Dreamworks.
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