How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

How to Train Your Dragon (2025 film)

Theatrical Poster 

Directed by: Dean DeBlois
Produced by: Marc Platt, Dean DeBlois, Adam Siegel
Written by: Dean DeBlois
Based on: How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
Starring: Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn
Music by: John Powell
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Release date: June 13, 2025 (United States)
Country: United States
Language: English

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Overview

How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is an upcoming American fantasy adventure film directed by Dean DeBlois and produced by Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation. It is a live-action adaptation of the 2010 animated film of the same name, which was itself based on the book series by Cressida Cowell. The movie stars Mason Thames as Hiccup, Nico Parker as Astrid, and Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick the Vast. The film is scheduled for release in the United States on June 13, 2025.

Plot

The live-action film follows the story of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a young and intelligent Viking who lives in the village of Berk, where dragons are considered dangerous enemies. Hiccup, however, does not fit the traditional mold of a Viking warrior and struggles to gain the approval of his father, Stoick the Vast, the village chieftain.

Hiccup's life takes a dramatic turn when he captures a rare and mysterious dragon known as the Night Fury. Instead of killing the creature, he befriends it and names it Toothless. This unlikely friendship leads Hiccup to discover that dragons are not the mindless monsters the villagers believe them to be. As their bond grows, Hiccup and Toothless work together to challenge the village's misconceptions, eventually changing the course of history in Berk.

While the plot closely follows the story arc of the original animated film, the live-action version is expected to offer a deeper emotional narrative, enhanced visual effects, and new perspectives on the beloved characters.

Cast and Characters

• Mason Thames as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III – A clever and inventive young Viking who befriends a dragon.
• Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson – A fierce and determined Viking warrior who is initially skeptical of Hiccup's beliefs.
• Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast – The chief of Berk and Hiccup's father, reprising his role from the animated trilogy.
• Julian Dennison as Fishlegs Ingerman – One of Hiccup's friends, known for his deep knowledge of dragons.
• Bronwyn James as Ruffnut Thorston – One half of the wild and chaotic Thorston twins.
• Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut Thorston – The other half of the Thorston twins, adding comic relief.

Production

Development

Plans for a live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon were announced in 2023 by Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation. Dean DeBlois, who directed the original trilogy, was brought back to write and direct the film. The announcement was met with mixed reactions—ranging from excitement over returning cast members and nostalgia to skepticism about remaking a beloved animated classic.

Casting

Casting began in early 2024. Mason Thames, known for his performance in The Black Phone, was cast as Hiccup. Nico Parker, who gained acclaim for her role in HBO's The Last of Us, was cast as Astrid. Gerard Butler's return as Stoick added credibility and continuity to the adaptation, reassuring long-time fans of the franchise.

Filming

Principal photography commenced in the second half of 2024, with filming taking place in a variety of locations across Northern Ireland, Iceland, and New Zealand to capture the fantastical Viking landscapes. Several large-scale practical sets were constructed, and a mix of animatronics and CGI were used to bring dragons to life.

Visual Effects

The visual effects for the live-action film are being handled by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and Wētā FX, both of which are known for their groundbreaking work in fantasy and science fiction. Dragons like Toothless are being brought to life with a mix of motion capture, CGI, and practical models, aiming to balance realism with the whimsy of the original.

Music

John Powell, who composed the scores for the original animated trilogy, returns to provide the soundtrack for the live-action film. His music remains one of the most iconic elements of the franchise, and his return has been praised by fans and critics alike. The score for the 2025 film is expected to be an orchestral masterpiece blending old themes with new compositions.

Marketing and Promotion

Universal Pictures has launched an aggressive marketing campaign beginning in early 2025. The teaser trailer, released in February 2025, quickly garnered millions of views across YouTube and social media platforms. Exclusive footage was shown at CinemaCon 2025, generating early buzz among critics and influencers.

Promotional tie-ins include limited-edition LEGO sets, action figures, and video game collaborations. A virtual reality experience featuring dragon flight sequences is also being developed as part of the film’s promotional efforts.

Reception and Expectations

Although the film has yet to be released, early screenings and teasers have generated considerable hype. Fans of the original trilogy are eager to see how the beloved characters and story translate into a live-action setting. Analysts predict strong box office performance due to the film’s built-in fanbase and family-friendly appeal.

Film critics have praised the decision to retain the emotional depth and narrative structure of the animated original while expanding the world and character dynamics. There is cautious optimism that the film could set a new benchmark for live-action adaptations of animated classics.

Box Office Projections

Industry experts project that How to Train Your Dragon (2025) will perform strongly at the summer box office, potentially opening to over $80 million domestically in its first weekend. Global projections range upwards of $600 million, depending on international reception and critical acclaim. The film’s appeal to both children and adults positions it as a four-quadrant blockbuster.

Sequel Potential

If successful, the 2025 film could lead to a new live-action trilogy, mirroring the original animated series. Dean DeBlois has hinted at the possibility of expanding the story further, depending on audience reception and box office performance. Universal Pictures is reportedly considering options for spin-offs and streaming series set in the world of Berk.

Conclusion

How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is one of the most anticipated films of the year, blending nostalgia, cutting-edge technology, and emotional storytelling. With its June 13, 2025 release date, the film is poised to become a summer blockbuster and potentially the beginning of a new era for the franchise.

The legacy of Hiccup and Toothless continues, proving that some stories truly are timeless.