Live Action “How to Train Your Dragon” A Great Time For the Entire Family
- Matt Palmer
- Jun 22, 2025
- 3 min read
On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon.
Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society. With the fierce and ambitious Astrid and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.
As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.
The 2010 animated film, “How to Train Your Dragon,” has been a huge family favorite ever since its initial release. And, I can easily say that if you enjoyed the 2010 adaptation, I can guarantee that you will really enjoy this live action adaptation of the beloved animated film.
This live-action adaptation does an outstanding job staying faithful to the initial story and it still has the emotional impact that the 2010 film delivered. While this is almost a shot by shot remake, the filmmakers really nailed it. There are a few slight deviations and additions, such as Astrid wanting to be Chief one day and the slightly darker tone this film has.
This is one of those rare live-action remakes that the differences don’t ruin the film’s story at all and actually strengthens it. The filmmakers also did a great job honoring the 2010 animated film, while enhancing the story a bit.
The live-action adaptation also delivers quite a few memorable moments. The scene where Hiccup has his first flight with Toothless is visually astounding and amazingly shot. While this same sequence in the 2010 animated film was great, the live-action version amplifies the thrill of the scene. Speaking of Toothless, I’m glad they didn’t change the character’s appearance at all and looks amazing!
Just like the 2010 adaptation, the live-action “How to Train Your Dragon” delivers a good amount of emotional depth, particularly while most of the heartfelt moments focus on the bond between Hiccup and Toothless, and Hiccup’s own personal journey of acceptance and self-discovery. The subplot focusing on Hiccup and his father is another pivotal part of the story that can be emotional and heart-felt, especially towards the film’s conclusion.
I’ll admit I was a little hesitant about this live-action adaptation since they can sometimes really deviate from the original story. And, this remake is one of those rare opportunities (like the recently released “Lilo & Stitch”) that the remake is truly well done. With its strong visuals, solid performances and faithful storytelling, fans of the 2010 film surely won’t be disappointed.
Cast: Mason Thames (Hiccup); Nico Parker (Astrid); Gerard Butler (Stoick); Gabriel Howell (Snotlout); Julian Dennison (Fishlegs); Brownwyn James (Ruffnut); Harry Treualdwyn (Tuffnut); Murray McArthur (Hoark); Peter Serafinowicz (Spitelout); Nick Frost (Gobber).
Writer/director: Dean DeBlois (“How to Train Your Dragon” animated trilogy; the 2002 animated “Lilo & Stitch”).
Trivia: Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick from the beloved 2010 film. This is the first official live-action adaptation of a DreamWorks Animation feature. Original director Dean DeBlois only accepted to direct this adaptation on the condition that he had full creative control.
On April 2, 2025, at CinemaCon, Universal Pictures announced that a sequel is already scheduled for a June 11, 2017 release.
MPA: Rated PG for sequences of intense action, and peril (runtime 125 minutes)
Make sure to check out my Wyoming County Press Examiner reviews page on Facebook to see what I have planned for upcoming reviews! And, speaking of what I have planned, here is what I have planned on the review front for the 7/2 edition of the Examiner: “Elio,” “28 Years Later,” “”28 Days Later/28 Weeks Later,” “Jaws” (50th anniversary - can’t have a summer without seeing this classic) and with the 4th of July coming up, “Independence Day/Independence Day: Resurgence.”
Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick from How to Train Your Dragon (2010).
Dean DeBlois is the first to direct and write the screenplay for a live action adaptation of an animated film which he also wrote and directed: How to Train Your Dragon.
This is the first official live-action adaptation of a DreamWorks Animation feature.
Astrid's parents were mentioned but never seen in the animated movies and tv series but are present in this movie.
Jay Baruchel and America Ferrera, Hiccup and Astrid's original voice actors, have expressed their admiration for the film and praised Mason Thames and Nico Parker for their performances.
A sequel was announced before the release of the film.
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