The live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set for release on June 13, 2025, faithfully recreates the beloved 2010 animated film while bringing its characters and world to life in a stunningly realistic manner. Directed by Dean DeBlois, who also helmed the original trilogy, the movie features Mason Thames as Hiccup, Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick, and an intricately animated live-action Toothless.
The story unfolds in Berk, a Viking village plagued by dragon attacks. Hiccup, the village chief’s awkward son, dreams of proving himself as a dragon hunter. However, after wounding a rare Night Fury dragon, he discovers he cannot bring himself to kill the creature. Instead, he befriends and names it Toothless, leading to a journey that challenges the Viking community’s perceptions of dragons. Hiccup and Toothless develop an unbreakable bond as they learn to fly together, showcasing breathtaking visuals of aerial dragon flights.
The movie captures key emotional and dramatic beats from the animated version, including Hiccup’s efforts to convince his father and the villagers that dragons can coexist peacefully with humans. This adaptation also promises a deeper exploration of Viking culture and more intense battle sequences. The trailer highlights pivotal moments, such as Hiccup’s first encounter with Toothless and the climactic battle against the monstrous Red Death dragon.
The production boasts a detailed design for Toothless, retaining his playful and expressive features while integrating realistic textures. Combined with sweeping visuals and John Powell’s iconic score, the film aims to transport audiences into a grounded yet fantastical world. Fans can expect a mix of nostalgia and fresh excitement in this retelling of a story about friendship, courage, and self-discovery.