First Look At The Upcoming Live Action ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ (2025)

Gabrielle Maria

How To Train Your Dragon: Toothless

Movie fans, mark your calendars! The live-action adaptation of “How to Train Your Dragon” is set to soar into theaters on June 13, 2025, and we finally got a first look at scenes from the movie. Universal has released the first trailer featuring footage from its highly anticipated film, and it’s very exciting. This film brings the beloved animated franchise to life with real actors and state-of-the-art visual effects.

Universal Pictures has tasked Dean DeBlois, the creative genius behind DreamWorks Animation’s original “How to Train Your Dragon” trilogy, with directing the live-action remake. DeBlois is a three-time Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner, and his involvement promises a faithful adaptation that captures the magic and wonder of the animated classics.

The film’s release date has seen some changes. Initially scheduled for March 14, 2025, production delays caused by industry strikes pushed the premiere to its current June date. This extra time allows the filmmakers to perfect the intricate visual effects needed to bring dragons to life alongside human actors.

A New Look at Berk: The Live-Action Dragon World

The Dragons Are Coming to Life

The live-action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon” is generating a lot of buzz. The first official look at the film came from Empire magazine in late 2024, and a teaser trailer soon followed. These reveals gave fans a taste of what to expect when the movie hits theaters on June 13, 2025. This release date is a slight shift from the original March 2025 date, due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.

The Team Behind the Magic

Dean DeBlois, who directed the original animated trilogy, is back to write, produce, and direct this new version. This is great news for fans of the series. It means the new movie will likely keep the spirit of the original films. The movie was filmed in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and finished filming in May 2024.

Meet the New Hiccup and Astrid

The cast includes some fresh faces. Mason Thames, known for his role in “The Black Phone,” plays Hiccup. Nico Parker, who starred in “The Last of Us,” takes on the role of Astrid. Gerard Butler also returns to voice Stoick the Vast, Hiccup’s father. Julian Dennison, Nick Frost, and Peter Serafinowicz are also part of the cast.

What We Know From the Trailer

The teaser trailer gives us a glimpse into the visual style of the film. It looks like the filmmakers are trying to create a world that feels both real and magical. The trailer hints at the emotional story that made the original movies so popular. Fans are excited to see how the dragons will look in live-action.

Comparing the Animated and Live-Action Versions

Many fans are wondering how the live-action remake will compare to the animated movies. Here’s a quick look at some key aspects:

FeatureAnimated VersionLive-Action Version
Visual StyleCartoonish, stylizedRealistic, grounded
DragonsExpressive, exaggeratedLikely more realistic, detailed
StoryFocuses on themes of friendship, acceptance, and familyExpected to follow the same core story, with potential changes
Target AudienceAppeals to all agesLikely to appeal to a broader audience due to the live-action format

What About Sequels and Spin-offs?

Right now, the focus is on the 2025 release. No official word has been given about sequels, prequels, or spin-offs to the live-action movie. But, the original animated series had two sequels and a few TV shows and short films. If the live-action film does well, we could see more stories in this world.

The Impact of the Remake

This remake could bring the “How to Train Your Dragon” story to a new generation. It also gives long-time fans a new way to experience the world of Berk and its dragons. The blend of live-action and CGI will be something to watch. It will be interesting to see how this new version affects the series’ overall popularity.

Exploring Other Dragon-Themed Media

If you love dragons and are excited about the “How to Train Your Dragon” remake, there are other great dragon stories you might enjoy. “Eragon,” based on Christopher Paolini’s book series, is a popular choice. It tells the story of a farm boy who finds a dragon egg and becomes a dragon rider. The books have adventure, magic, and a strong bond between human and dragon. There’s also the “Dragonriders of Pern” series by Anne McCaffrey. These books tell the story of humans who ride dragons to protect their planet from a deadly threat. These books are known for their complex world-building and strong characters. These are just a couple of examples. There are many books, movies, and TV shows that feature dragons in exciting and imaginative ways.

The live-action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon” is one of the most anticipated movies of 2025. With Dean DeBlois at the helm and a talented cast, the film has the potential to be a big hit. The first looks and the trailer are just the beginning. Fans are waiting to see how this new version of the story will capture their hearts.

Key Takeaways

  • The live-action “How to Train Your Dragon” releases in theaters on June 13, 2025
  • Original creator Dean DeBlois directs the film, ensuring continuity with the animated series
  • The movie combines real actors with advanced visual effects to recreate the dragon-filled world

Unveiling the Live-Action Remake

The upcoming live-action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon,” set to be released on June 13, 2025, is generating excitement for its fresh take on the beloved story of friendship between a Viking and a dragon. Dean DeBlois, the director of the original trilogy, will return to write, produce, and direct the film. Recent official images and a teaser trailer have showcased the film’s visual style and lead performances by Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nico Parker as Astrid. The remake reflects a trend of adapting animated classics into live-action, highlighting themes of nostalgia and the lasting appeal of these stories.

The live-action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon” promises a fresh take on the beloved animated franchise. Set for release on June 13, 2025, this adaptation aims to bring the world of Vikings and dragons to life in stunning detail.

Director’s Vision

Dean DeBlois, who helmed the original animated trilogy, returns to direct the live-action version. His vision for the remake focuses on preserving the heart of the story while leveraging modern filmmaking techniques.

DeBlois aims to create a more immersive experience for viewers. He plans to use practical effects where possible, blending them seamlessly with cutting-edge CGI to bring the dragons to life.

The director has expressed his commitment to maintaining the emotional core of the original films. He wants to ensure that the bond between Hiccup and Toothless remains central to the story.

Casting the New Chapter

The live-action remake features a mix of fresh faces and established talent. Mason Thames takes on the role of Hiccup, while Nico Parker portrays Astrid.

Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick the Vast, Hiccup’s father. This casting choice provides a link to the original animated series and lends gravitas to the Viking chief’s character.

New additions to the cast include Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn in yet-to-be-disclosed roles. Their involvement has sparked speculation among fans about potential new characters or reimagined roles from the original series.

The casting process prioritized actors who could convey the complex emotions and physical demands of their Viking characters.

Plot and Setting

While specific plot details remain under wraps, the film is expected to follow the general storyline of the first movie. It will likely focus on Hiccup’s journey from outcast to dragon trainer and his friendship with Toothless.

The setting remains the Viking village of Berk, with filming taking place in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This location was chosen for its rugged landscapes that closely match the fictional island of Berk.

Producers have hinted at expanded world-building, suggesting that viewers might see more of the Viking archipelago than in the animated version.

Visuals and Effects

The visual effects team faces the challenge of translating the stylized animation into a live-action setting. They aim to create dragons that look realistic while maintaining the distinctive characteristics of each species.

Motion capture technology will be used extensively to bring the dragons to life. This approach allows for more nuanced interactions between the human actors and their dragon counterparts.

The production team is working on creating practical sets and costumes to ground the fantastical elements in reality. This includes building full-scale Viking longships and detailed village sets.

Fans eagerly await the release of a teaser trailer, which is expected to showcase the film’s visual style and give a glimpse of the live-action dragons.

Anticipating the Premiere

Excitement builds as the release date for “How to Train Your Dragon” approaches. Fans eagerly await new trailers, global release details, and news about the soundtrack.

Marketing and Trailers

Universal Pictures has launched a strategic marketing campaign for the live-action adaptation. The official trailer hit YouTube, showcasing stunning visuals of Vikings and dragons.

Teaser posters have appeared in major cities, featuring silhouettes of Hiccup and Toothless. Social media buzzes with fan reactions and theories about the plot.

The studio plans to release additional trailers closer to the premiere date. These will likely reveal more about the cast, story, and special effects.

Global Release Information

“How to Train Your Dragon” is set for a worldwide release on June 13, 2025. Some countries will see early premieres:

  • Slovakia: June 12, 2025
  • United Kingdom: June 13, 2025
  • Sweden: June 13, 2025
  • Turkey: June 13, 2025
  • United States: June 13, 2025

The film will be shown in standard and IMAX formats. This gives viewers options for their preferred viewing experience.

Streaming plans are not yet confirmed. Rumors suggest it may appear on Peacock after its theatrical run.

The Soundtrack Contribution

John Powell, composer of the original animated trilogy, returns for the live-action film. His involvement excites fans who loved the previous scores.

Powell began work on the soundtrack during post-production. He aims to blend familiar themes with new compositions that fit the live-action style.

The studio hints at collaborations with popular artists for the end credits song. This strategy often boosts a film’s music chart performance.

Soundtrack release details remain under wraps. Typically, albums drop a week before the film’s premiere.

Frequently Asked Questions

The live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon has generated significant interest. Fans are eager to learn about the release date, cast, and other details surrounding this highly anticipated film.

What is the release date of the live-action How to Train Your Dragon?

The live-action How to Train Your Dragon movie will hit theaters on June 13, 2025. This date was confirmed after an initial release plan for March 14, 2025 was adjusted.

Who are the cast members in the upcoming How to Train Your Dragon live-action film?

The full cast list for the live-action adaptation has not been officially announced yet. As more information becomes available, fans can expect updates on the actors who will bring their favorite characters to life on the big screen.

When can we expect to see the trailer for the live-action How to Train Your Dragon?

Universal Pictures has not released a trailer for the live-action How to Train Your Dragon as of January 2025. Trailers typically debut several months before a film’s release, so fans may see the first footage later in 2025.

Is there a release date announced for How to Train Your Dragon 4?

Currently, there is no official announcement regarding How to Train Your Dragon 4. The focus remains on the upcoming live-action adaptation of the original story.

Has How to Train Your Dragon 5 been confirmed, and what is its release date?

How to Train Your Dragon 5 has not been confirmed. The franchise is currently centered on the live-action remake of the first film, set for release in 2025.

Who will be portraying Hiccup in the How to Train Your Dragon live-action movie?

Mason Thames, known for his roles in The Black Phone and For All Mankind, will portray Hiccup in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon. This casting choice brings a fresh face to the beloved character.