INTERODUCTION
How to Train Your Dragon is an upcoming American fantasy adventure film set to be released in 2025. This live-action adaptation reimagines the beloved 2010 animated feature of the same name, which was produced by DreamWorks Animation and draws inspiration from Cressida Cowell’s 2003 novel.
The film is co-produced, written, and directed by Dean DeBlois, who also helmed the original animated trilogy.
The cast features a talented ensemble, including Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, and Murray McArthur.
Notably, Gerard Butler returns to reprise his iconic role as Stoick the Vast, adding continuity for fans of the franchise.
In February 2023, the announcement of a live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon marked an exciting development for fans of the beloved franchise.
Dean DeBlois, who previously directed and wrote the acclaimed animated trilogy, is set to return in the same capacities for this new project, ensuring continuity in vision and storytelling.
Additionally, John Powell, the composer behind the original trilogy’s memorable score, will reprise his role to create the musical backdrop for the film.
By May 2023, actors Thames and Parker were confirmed to join the cast, with further casting announcements made in January 2024.
The production commenced later that month in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and successfully concluded filming in May, setting the stage for what promises to be a captivating reimagining of the iconic story.
How to Train Your Dragon made its debut at CinemaCon on April 2, 2025, captivating audiences with its stunning visuals and engaging storyline.
This highly anticipated film is set to be released in the United States by Universal Pictures on June 13, 2025, promising to bring back the beloved characters and enchanting world that fans have come to adore.
Furthermore, the excitement does not end there, as a sequel is already in the works, scheduled to hit theaters on June 11, 2027, ensuring that the saga continues to unfold for both new viewers and long-time enthusiasts of the franchise.
Premise
On the rugged island of Berk, a place where the fierce inhabitants known as Vikings have long been at odds with dragons, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III emerges as an unconventional hero.
As the often-overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast, Hiccup challenges the entrenched customs of his people, which dictate that dragons are to be feared and fought. Instead, he forms an extraordinary friendship with Toothless, a Night Fury dragon notorious for its ferocity.
This unexpected alliance not only transforms Hiccup’s understanding of these mythical creatures but also serves to upend the deeply rooted beliefs of Viking culture, revealing the complexities of dragons and prompting a reevaluation of the longstanding enmity between the two species.
The term “cast” refers to a group of individuals selected to perform in a theatrical production, film, or television show. This ensemble typically includes actors who portray various characters, each contributing their unique talents and interpretations to bring the script to life.
The casting process is crucial, as it involves not only the selection of performers based on their acting abilities but also their chemistry with one another and their fit for the roles they are assigned. Directors and casting agents often hold auditions to evaluate potential candidates, considering factors such as physical appearance, vocal quality, and emotional range.
The final cast is essential in shaping the overall tone and success of the production, as their performances can significantly influence audience engagement and critical reception.
Development
In February 2023, news emerged regarding the development of a live-action adaptation of DreamWorks Animation’s 2010 film How to Train Your Dragon, which drew inspiration from Cressida Cowell’s book series of the same name.
Universal Pictures is spearheading this project, with Dean DeBlois at the helm as director, writer, and producer.
DeBlois, who previously contributed to the animated films in the franchise, agreed to take on this new adaptation only under the stipulation that he would retain complete creative control over the project.
Additionally, Marc Platt and Adam Siegel have come on board as co-producers to support the film’s production.
By November 2024, Forbes reported that Universal Pictures had invested more than $50 million in the film’s pre-production phase, highlighting the studio’s commitment to bringing this beloved story to life in a new format.
Casting
In May 2023, it was revealed that Mason Thames and Nico Parker would take on the iconic roles of Hiccup and Astrid, respectively, in the upcoming film adaptation.
Following this announcement, in January 2024, Gerard Butler was confirmed to return as Stoick the Vast, a character he portrayed in the original animated series.
Additionally, the cast expanded later that month with the inclusion of Nick Frost, who will reprise his role as Gobber, alongside newcomers Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, and Harry Trevaldwyn, who will portray Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut, respectively.
The casting process continued to evolve, and in March, Ruth Codd was added to the ensemble, taking on the character of Phlegma, further enriching the film’s diverse lineup.
Filming
Principal photography for the film was initially slated to commence in July 2023 in Belfast, Northern Ireland; however, the schedule was disrupted due to the SAG-AFTRA strike that year. Following the resolution of the strike, screen tests were organized for December 2023, with production anticipated to kick off in mid to late January 2024.
Filming officially began on January 15, 2024, and concluded on May 16 of the same year. Bill Pope was brought on board as the cinematographer for the project.
Initially, director Dean DeBlois reached out to renowned cinematographer Roger Deakins, who had previously served as a visual consultant for the animated films, to collaborate on the live-action adaptation.
When Deakins declined the opportunity, he recommended Pope as a suitable alternative.
The production emphasized the use of practical sets and was designed with the IMAX format in mind, allowing for a visually immersive experience.
Notably, many scenes from the original animated film were meticulously re-created in live-action, including the iconic moment of Hiccup’s first encounter with Toothless, ensuring a faithful homage to the beloved source material.
