Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon Movie

Scott Daly

How To Train Your Dragon Live Action Logo

Dragons have officially landed in live-action. Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation released How to Train Your Dragon on June 13, 2025, giving fans a faithful yet visually richer retelling of Hiccup and Toothless’s first adventure. Under the direction of original trilogy storyteller Dean DeBlois, the film translates Berk’s windswept cliffs, fiery set-pieces, and the heart-melting bond between boy and dragon into a photoreal spectacle that still mirrors the 2010 classic’s emotional beats.

How to Train Your Dragon (2025 Film)

Returning to his own material, DeBlois wrote, directed, and produced the adaptation, ensuring the same balance of humor, discovery, and coming-of-age warmth. Mason Thames steps into Hiccup’s shoes, Nico Parker embodies Astrid with fresh resolve, and Gerard Butler reprises Stoick in live-action—lending continuity and gravitas. The result resonated: the film has earned $456 million worldwide to date and received an “A” CinemaScore from audiences, proving that dragons still have wings outside animation.

Live-action Hiccup and Toothless promotional still

The movie closely mirrors Cressida Cowell’s source material and the 2010 script, but leverages cutting-edge VFX, on-location shoots in Northern Ireland, and updated stunt work to ground the fantasy in tactile reality. Long-time franchise composer John Powell returned to re-orchestrate his soaring themes with a full symphony, giving old cues new thunder.

Official Live-Action Trailer

Box Office & Critical Reception

With a domestic haul just over $200 million and strong overseas turnout, the live-action debut has already out-grossed the original animated film’s opening run. Critics praised the seamless integration of animatronic dragon maquettes with CGI, and many singled out Parker’s Astrid for adding modern-day agency to the Viking warrior. The success solidified Universal’s new live-action fantasy slate alongside Minecraft and Lilo & Stitch.

Cast of How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

RoleActor
Hiccup Horrendous Haddock IIIMason Thames
Astrid HoffersonNico Parker
Stoick the VastGerard Butler
Gobber the BelchNick Frost
Fishlegs IngermanJulian Dennison
Snotlout JorgensonGabriel Howell
Ruffnut ThorstonBronwyn James
Tuffnut ThorstonHarry Trevaldwyn
Phlegma the FierceRuth Codd

Filming wrapped in Belfast, whose basalt cliffs and lush valleys convincingly double for the Isle of Berk. DeBlois oversaw extensive dragon-flight pre-vis work, ensuring Toothless’s acrobatics lined up with on-set wind rigs and Thames’s performances.

A Faithful Re-imagining

While key story beats remain intact, several sequences expand on Viking culture and dragon lore—most notably an extended nighttime flight lit only by bioluminescent scales. The deeper lore hints proved intentional: they set up new threads for the confirmed sequel.

Sequel Confirmed: How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Live-Action)

During CinemaCon on April 2 2025, Universal formally green-lit the sequel, targeting June 11, 2027. DeBlois is already drafting the script, adapting the animated sequel’s broader scale—dragon rescues, Alpha confrontations, and family revelations—for live-action. Thames, Parker, and Butler are all expected back, and DeBlois publicly expressed hopes of re-securing Cate Blanchett as Valka.

Key Takeaways

  • How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is out now and has earned over $456 million globally.
  • Dean DeBlois returned to write, direct, and produce, ensuring continuity with the animated trilogy.
  • The live-action sequel is officially set for June 11, 2027, with principal cast expected to reprise their roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who directed the live-action How to Train Your Dragon?

Dean DeBlois—writer-director of the original animated trilogy—returned to helm the 2025 live-action film and is scripting the 2027 sequel.

What is the release date for the sequel?

The live-action sequel, How to Train Your Dragon 2, is slated for theatrical release on June 11, 2027.

Which actors star in the live-action films?

Mason Thames (Hiccup), Nico Parker (Astrid), and Gerard Butler (Stoick) lead the ensemble, joined by Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, and Ruth Codd.

Will Toothless appear in future installments?

Yes. The Night Fury remains central to the franchise, with the sequel expected to explore Alpha dragon hierarchy and Toothless’s evolving bond with Hiccup.

Is there an animated How to Train Your Dragon 4 in development?

No new animated features are planned. DreamWorks is focusing on the live-action timeline, beginning with the 2027 sequel.