The highly anticipated live-action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon” has taken off with a flying start at the box office. Released in early June 2025, the fantasy-adventure film opened to over $85 million globally in its first weekend, signaling a new era for DreamWorks’ beloved franchise.
The original animated film, which premiered in 2010, quickly became a modern classic, praised for its emotional storytelling and breathtaking animation. Now, this live-action adaptation, directed by Dean DeBlois, who also helmed the original trilogy, is bringing that magic to a new generation—with real actors, detailed CGI dragons, and a deeply nostalgic pull for longtime fans.
Source: Official DreamWorks Website
The live-action adaptation stays true to the spirit of the animated version, retelling the story of Hiccup, a young Viking who befriends a rare dragon named Toothless. Set in the mythical land of Berk, the film explores themes of friendship, bravery, and challenging traditional beliefs.
The new version blends practical effects and cutting-edge CGI to bring dragons to life in a way audiences have never seen before. Critics and fans alike have praised the chemistry between the film’s young leads and the visual spectacle of its action scenes.
“This isn’t just a remake—it’s a reimagining,” says film critic Anna Jacobs. “The emotional core is intact, but the live-action format gives it a richer, grittier texture that both kids and adults will appreciate.”
The film debuted at $47 million in North America and an additional $38 million internationally, making it one of the strongest openings for a family film this year. According to industry sources, the movie could cross the $300 million mark globally in the next two weeks if momentum continues.
These figures put it ahead of other recent live-action adaptations like “The Little Mermaid” (2023) and “Peter Pan & Wendy” (2023). The success of “How to Train Your Dragon” signals that audiences are still eager for well-crafted fantasy stories, especially those with existing fan bases.
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The casting of the live-action film was a major talking point during its development. Rising star Mason Thames plays Hiccup, while newcomer Nico Parker takes on the role of Astrid. Their performances have been met with widespread praise, particularly for their natural chemistry and emotional depth.
Toothless, although animated using state-of-the-art VFX, retains his charm and expressiveness from the original trilogy. The dragon-human bond is just as powerful in this version, largely thanks to the performance-driven motion capture work.
“Working with a CG dragon was a challenge,” Thames shared in an interview. “But the bond you see on screen is real—we spent months preparing to bring it to life.”
The movie has sparked massive engagement on social media, with hashtags like #HTTYDLiveAction and #ToothlessReturns trending within hours of the film’s release. Early audience reviews on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb have been overwhelmingly positive, with many fans calling it “a faithful and thrilling adaptation.”
Merchandise sales are also on the rise. From plush Toothless toys to Viking gear replicas, stores are struggling to keep up with the demand. Theme parks like Universal Studios have even teased updates to their Dragon-themed attractions to match the new live-action style.
See fan reactions and trailers here
This box office success could open the door for future live-action adaptations of the How to Train Your Dragon sequels. With a trilogy already in place in the animated format, there’s plenty of material to explore further in live action. Discussions have already begun behind the scenes at Universal Pictures, with hints that a live-action sequel could start production as early as 2026.
If successful, it may even influence other studios to revive animated classics in live-action formats, provided they approach them with the same care and storytelling precision.
Dean DeBlois’ return to the director’s chair was key to the film’s success. Critics have highlighted his ability to retain the heart of the story while introducing new cinematic layers.
The cinematography by Oscar-winner Roger Deakins (who also consulted on the animated trilogy) lends the film a grounded, majestic look. The scenes of Hiccup flying on Toothless over oceans and volcanic mountains are nothing short of breathtaking.
Composer John Powell, who scored the original trilogy, returns with a refreshed soundtrack that mixes classic motifs with new orchestrations, adding to the film’s emotional impact.
As the film continues to soar in theaters, producers are already looking toward award season. The blend of emotional storytelling, jaw-dropping visuals, and nostalgic value makes it a potential contender in technical categories and even Best Family Film.
With such a strong debut, “How to Train Your Dragon” (2025) proves that there’s still room in Hollywood for heartfelt, high-flying adventures that inspire all ages.
For now, one thing is clear—the dragons are back, and they’ve never looked more real.
More movie news and updates on Variety
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