Sometimes stories are so touching that they stay alive in our memories even years later. How to Train Your Dragon is one of those stories. Now the iconic animated trilogy has been reinterpreted by Universal Studios in a spectacular live-action incarnation, releasing in cinemas worldwide on June 13, 2025. Original director Dean DeBlois is at the helm this time as well, and that is evident in every frame of the film.
Legends have landed at the Tribeca Festival 🔥 Experience #HowToTrainYourDragon in theaters Friday! Get tickets now! #Tribeca2025
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— #HowToTrainYourDragon (@HTTYDragon) June 12, 2025
A glimpse of the story:
The film centres on Hiccup – a shy, sensible but brave Viking boy – and his befriending of a dragon named Toothless, who may appear dangerous on the outside, but is innocent and loyal at heart. In the story, Hiccup’s world and thinking changes when he tries to understand and befriend these mysterious creatures, breaking away from the anti-dragon mentality of his society.
How did the magic come down to live-action?
Where animation once drew children into its world, this time the same magic also sweeps away adults and teenagers through live-action. Mason Thames has given a brilliant performance as Hiccup. Both his innocence and courage feel alive on screen. On the other hand, Gerard Butler, who also played Stoick in animated films, once again moved the audience with his powerful acting.
Flight of the Dragons – Magic of VFX:
The biggest attraction of this film is its visual effects (VFX). Toothless’s eyes, his flying, and his bonding with Hiccup – everything is shown so real and spectacular that the audience forgets that they are watching a fictional world. The film’s greatest achievement is the presentation of the dragon with such tenderness and dignity.
Music and cinematography:
The music of the film, while remaining in the background, makes the emotional and exciting moments of the story even more impressive. John Powell’s music gives a glimpse of an old Viking era. At the same time, the cinematography is so spectacular that the eyes stop on seeing the dragon scenes flying in the mountains, seas and sky of Iceland.
Performance and reactions:
The film performed beyond expectations on the very first day of its release. According to Deadline’s report, the film has earned about 8 to 9 million dollars from early previews and fan screenings. Some trade analysts also believe that the film can touch the figure of $ 100 million in its opening weekend.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has received a 99% positive rating from audiences and a 77% score from critics, which is considered exceptional for any remake.
Comparison to Frozen 2 and other films:
Interestingly, How to Train Your Dragon’s preview collections have come very close to those of Frozen 2 ($8.5 million) and have outperformed Transformers: Rise of the Beasts ($7.6 million). While other films like Lilo & Stitch are still going strong at the box office, the new version of the Dragon is likely to be in for the long haul.
Comparison to the original trilogy:
The new version has surpassed the original How to Train Your Dragon not just in technology and graphics, but also in emotion. While How to Train Your Dragon 2 only earned $2 million in previews and the third installment, Hidden World, earned $3 million, this new live-action incarnation has more than tripled that figure on its first day.
Cast:
The film is brought to life by talented actors like Mason Thames (Hiccup), Nico Parker, Gabriel Howell, Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James, Harry Trewaldwyn, Peter Serafinowicz, and Nick Frost. The return of Gerard Butler has brought back a lot of nostalgia.
Future Plans:
With the release of the film, Universal has announced its sequel, which will come on June 11, 2027. This is very exciting for the fans of the film, as this new version has once again brought back the magic that started a decade ago.
Audience and Critic Response
On Rotten Tomatoes, the audience has given it a rating of 99%, indicating that people have loved the film.
The Critics score is 77%, making it a solid film.
Fans have called it one of the “most influential fantasy films of 2025”.
How to Train Your Dragon (2024) is not just a remake, it is a tribute – to a wonderful fantasy land where friendship, courage and wisdom take flight. Whether you have seen the original animated films or not, this film will touch you deeply.
If you are a fan of the original animation series, this film is an emotional reunion for you.
If you are a fan of the world of dragons and fantasy, its gorgeous CGI and thrilling story will leave you spellbound.
And if you are stepping into this world for the first time, this film might just make you fall in love with a new franchise.
The live-action version of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ not only brings back old memories but also takes a new generation on board. This film is undoubtedly poised to become one of the biggest cinematic successes of 2025.
It has everything a perfect family film should have – heart, adventure, imagination and a message that stays with you for ages.
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