The dragon is back—this time in live action. Universal Pictures is set to release the much-anticipated live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon in U.S. theaters on June 13, 2025, a bold reimagining of DreamWorks’ iconic animated franchise that captivated audiences worldwide. The film is directed by Dean DeBlois, returning to the helm after successfully guiding the original trilogy, and marks his live-action directorial debut.
Unlike many animated-to-live-action adaptations that veer away from their roots, this version remains deeply faithful to the 2010 original while embracing a photo-realistic approach. With a blend of fresh talent, cutting-edge visual effects, and heart-tugging nostalgia, the new How to Train Your Dragon could become one of 2025’s biggest family blockbusters.
Cast & Characters: A New Generation Takes the Reins
The casting has drawn excitement for its thoughtful mix of up-and-comers and familiar voices:
- Mason Thames (The Black Phone) as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the misfit Viking who befriends a dragon.
- Nico Parker (The Last of Us) as Astrid Hofferson, Hiccup’s brave and fiercely loyal companion.
- Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick the Vast, Hiccup’s father and the leader of Berk.
- Nick Frost takes on the role of Gobber the Belch, the gruff but lovable blacksmith.
- Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2, Hunt for the Wilderpeople) as the gentle giant Fishlegs Ingerman.
- Gabriel Howell as Snotlout Jorgenson, the cocky and brash warrior-in-training.
- Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn play the chaotic twin duo Ruffnut and Tuffnut Thorston.
- Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club) portrays Phlegma the Fierce, adding depth to Berk’s colorful cast.
- Peter Serafinowicz and Murray McArthur round out the ensemble in undisclosed roles.
The young cast was carefully selected not just for physical resemblance to the animated characters, but for their ability to convey the emotional core of the story—friendship, growth, and self-discovery.
Filming & Visual Effects: A Cinematic Leap Forward
Filming took place in Belfast, Northern Ireland, from January to May 2024, with Icelandic landscapes also rumored to appear, giving the world of Berk a rugged, authentic backdrop.
The project was shot with IMAX format in mind, aiming for a sweeping visual experience on the big screen. Framestore, the visual effects studio behind Guardians of the Galaxy and Gravity, is spearheading the CGI—particularly crucial for rendering Toothless, the Night Fury dragon, with lifelike realism while preserving his iconic expressions and mannerisms.
Christian Manz, known for his work on Fantastic Beasts, serves as VFX supervisor, ensuring the dragons soar with believable emotion and texture.
Trailers & Early Reactions: Familiar Scenes, New Magic
- The first trailer, released in November 2024, faithfully recreated Hiccup’s first encounter with Toothless—a key emotional moment for fans of the original. Viewers praised the scene for capturing the magic without feeling like a shot-for-shot retread.
- A Super Bowl LIX spot, aired in February 2025, offered more glimpses of Berk, dragon flights, and intense action sequences. It revealed the film’s commitment to grounded emotion and big-screen spectacle.
Initial fan response has been cautiously optimistic. Many viewers are relieved that the film seems to be honoring the tone and emotional beats of the original instead of taking the story in a radically new direction.
A Franchise Reborn: Sequel Already Announced
Universal isn’t wasting time—a sequel is already in development, scheduled for release on June 11, 2027. With How to Train Your Dragon being one of DreamWorks’ most beloved properties, the live-action remake is expected to launch a new trilogy mirroring the original arc, potentially including adaptations of The Hidden World and more.
As the release date draws near, fans old and new await what could be a defining fantasy epic of the decade—a story about courage, connection, and a dragon that changed everything.
What To Watch While You Wait? The Wild Robot
If you’re looking for a good movie to watch while you wait for “How To Train Your Dragon” we highly recommend “The Wild Robot.” Based on Peter Brown’s beloved book, this animated adventure has generated buzz since its first trailer dropped.
The Wild Robot was released in theaters on September 27, 2024 in the United States. The film, directed by Chris Sanders, follows the story of a robot who finds itself in the wilderness and must adapt to survive among animals. The movie features impressive animation and has already been screened at various film festivals before its wide release. In fact, it’s now returning to theaters for an awards season run, highlighting its positive reception.
For those who missed it in theaters, “The Wild Robot” is currently available on digital platforms and disc formats. The film will make its streaming debut on Peacock starting January 24, giving viewers multiple ways to enjoy this family-friendly adventure that’s captured audiences’ attention worldwide.
“The Wild Robot” is an animated adventure film released in September 2024. The movie follows a robot named Roz as she adapts to life on an uninhabited island, forming unexpected bonds with the wildlife around her.
- The Wild Robot was released in theaters on September 27, 2024, and is now available on digital platforms and disc formats.
- Directed by Chris Sanders and produced by DreamWorks Animation, the film is based on Peter Brown’s popular book.
- The movie will begin streaming on Peacock on January 24 and is currently enjoying an awards season theatrical run.
Plot and Setting
The story centers on ROZZUM unit 7134, nicknamed “Roz,” a robot who becomes shipwrecked on a remote, uninhabited island. Following her arrival, Roz must learn to adapt to the wild environment and survive among the island’s diverse wildlife.
Initially viewed as a threat by the animals, Roz gradually earns their trust. A significant turning point occurs when she adopts an orphaned gosling named Brightbill. Their developing parent-child relationship forms the emotional core of the narrative.
The island setting plays a crucial role, offering both dangers and beauty. Roz faces numerous challenges including harsh weather, difficult terrain, and initially hostile animals as she transforms from an out-of-place machine to a valued member of the island’s ecosystem.
Creative Development
“The Wild Robot” was directed by Chris Sanders, known for his work on “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Lilo & Stitch.” The film adapts Peter Brown’s beloved children’s novel of the same name published in 2016.
The animation style blends realistic natural environments with the mechanical design of Roz, creating a visually striking contrast. DreamWorks Animation employed cutting-edge technology to render the lush island landscapes and wildlife with remarkable detail.
The filmmakers faced the challenge of making a robot character emotionally expressive without traditional facial features. They solved this through subtle body language, lighting effects, and thoughtful sound design.
The project took approximately four years to complete from initial development to final release, with teams working to capture the book’s heart while expanding its world for the screen.
Voice Cast and Characters
Lupita Nyong’o leads the cast as the voice of Roz, bringing warmth and curiosity to the robot protagonist. Her performance captures Roz’s evolution from logical machine to nurturing parent figure.
Pedro Pascal voices a key wildlife character, while Kit Connor brings the orphaned gosling Brightbill to life with youthful energy and emotion. Their relationship forms the emotional center of the story.
The supporting cast includes several acclaimed actors:
- Catherine O’Hara as a wise island resident
- Bill Nighy in a mysterious role
- Stephanie Hsu as another robot
- Mark Hamill and Matt Berry as island creatures
- Ving Rhames lending his distinctive voice to a powerful animal character
Country music star Maren Morris contributes to the film’s soundtrack, adding emotional depth to key scenes.
Release and Reception
The Wild Robot made its theatrical debut in September 2024, captivating audiences with its heartfelt story and stunning animation. The film has followed a strategic release pattern across global markets, with strong critical reception and notable commercial success.
Launch Dates
The Wild Robot premiered in theaters on September 27, 2024, in the United States. International releases began earlier, with Canada getting the film on September 8, followed by Australia on September 12. Several Asian and South American markets, including Malaysia and Uruguay, received the film on September 19, with China following on September 20.
After its initial theatrical run, the film became available for streaming on October 15, 2024. DreamWorks also announced a theatrical re-release scheduled for January 17, 2025, giving audiences another chance to experience the film on the big screen.
Digital platforms for home viewing include Apple TV and Prime Video, with Blu-ray releases following the standard distribution timeline.
Critical and Public Response
The Wild Robot quickly established itself as a critically acclaimed film upon release. Critics praised its emotional depth, visual storytelling, and thematic resonance. The film’s ability to balance heartfelt moments with thought-provoking questions about technology and nature particularly resonated with reviewers.
Audience reception matched critical enthusiasm, with strong word-of-mouth driving sustained box office performance. The film’s universal themes and family-friendly approach helped it attract viewers across age groups.
Awards season has begun favorably for The Wild Robot, with early nominations positioning it as a contender for major awards. Industry analysts predict potential Golden Globe and Academy Award recognition in animation and technical categories.
Music and Score
Composer Kris Bowers created the film’s evocative musical landscape, skillfully blending orchestral elements with electronic sounds to mirror the movie’s themes of nature versus technology. The score seamlessly transitions between tender emotional moments and more dramatic sequences.
The soundtrack features an original song by Grammy-winning artist Maren Morris that plays during a pivotal scene. Her contribution adds emotional depth to a key character moment.
The music enhances the film’s storytelling without overwhelming the narrative. Critics have specifically highlighted how the score complements the visual elements, particularly during scenes of Roz’s adaptation to the wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Wild Robot film has generated many questions from eager fans. The most common questions revolve around release dates, streaming availability, and production details.
What is the expected premiere date for The Wild Robot on Netflix?
Currently, there is no confirmed date for The Wild Robot to premiere on Netflix. The film was released in theaters on September 27, 2024. Streaming rights and platforms are typically announced after the theatrical run has concluded.
When will The Wild Robot full movie be available for viewing?
The Wild Robot is available for viewing now. It was released in theaters on September 27, 2024. According to the search results, the film is also currently streaming on Peacock.
Is there a trailer available for The Wild Robot, and where can it be seen?
Yes, a teaser trailer for The Wild Robot has been released. Based on information from Peter Brown Studio, the teaser trailer was released alongside the movie poster and cast announcement. The trailer can likely be found on major video platforms and the official movie website.
Has The Wild Robot been made available on any OTT platforms?
Yes, The Wild Robot is currently available for streaming on Peacock. This information comes directly from the search results which confirm its availability on the platform after its theatrical release on September 27, 2024.
When is the release date scheduled for the fourth installment of The Wild Robot series?
There is no confirmed release date for a fourth installment of The Wild Robot series. The current film adapts the original book by Peter Brown, and no announcement has been made regarding adaptations of sequels or a fourth installment.
What is the production budget for The Wild Robot film?
The specific production budget for The Wild Robot film has not been disclosed in the available search results. Production companies typically release this information through industry publications or press releases, but no exact figure is currently available.
