Comprehensive Guide to the Live-Action Adaptation of How To Train Your Dragon

This is everything we know about the upcoming live-action adaptation of How To Train Your Dragon, including release date, trailer updates, cast speculation, plot details, and more. Disney has been remaking its animated classics into live-action films since Alice in Wonderland in 2010, with mixed results, but strong box office success.

DreamWorks has long been a primary competitor of Disney's, and now it is aiming to emulate Disney's successful formula with one of its most beloved films, How To Train Your Dragon. Following the announcement, here is what we currently know about the upcoming live-action adaptation.

Universal Pictures

How To Train Your Dragon live-action movie release date

The live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon will debut in theaters on June 13, 2025. The franchise currently consists of three movies: How to Train Your Dragon (2010), How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019). Additionally, there are three spinoff TV series and several live shows.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the feature project is already in the development process and casting is currently underway. The original release date of March 14, 2025 has been delayed due to the recent WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.

Production for the live-action ‘HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON’ movie has been postponed until the WGA/SAG strikes are resolved with equitable agreements for writers and actors. (Source: https://t.co/CNmMielJpx) pic.twitter.com/A5XmewOOmq

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) August 7, 2023

How To Train Your Dragon live-action cast: Who’s in it?

The current confirmed major cast members include only three: Mason Thames, known for his role in The Black Phone, will be playing Hiccup, Nico Parker, who appeared in The Last of Us, will take on the role of Astrid, and Gerard Butler will reprise his role as Stoick, which he previously voiced in the original animated films.

It is uncertain if Jay Baruchel, who voiced Hiccup, will be returning in any role. Other trilogy cast members included Jonah Hill as Snotlout, Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Fishlegs, T.J. Miler as Tuffnut, and Kristen Wiig as Ruffnut. On the other hand, it is confirmed that the franchise's writer-director, Dean DeBlois, will be back to write and direct the live-action movie.

This is the first time the original filmmaker has been brought on board to transition an animated film into live-action, setting it apart from Disney's recent remakes. DeBlois, who has no prior experience in directing live-action movies, will be working alongside producer Marc Platt, known for his work on films such as Legally Blonde, La La Land, and the upcoming two-part adaptation of Wicked by Universal.

How To Train Your Dragon live-action plot: What’s it about?

Although not yet confirmed, it is anticipated that the live-action adaptation of How To Train Your Dragon will follow the storyline of the first movie, but it remains uncertain whether there are intentions to remake the entire trilogy.

In the initial movie, Hiccup, the son of a Viking village leader, forms a friendship with Toothless, a playful dragon. However, there's a major obstacle: the Vikings have a deep-rooted hatred for dragons and battling against them is a way of life.

Throughout the trilogy, Hiccup's connection with Toothless deepens as they face off against dragon warlords, cope with the loss of their parents, and search for the Hidden World.

Paramount Pictures

During a previous discussion with Deadline, DeBlois discussed the challenge of concluding the trilogy in a way that would be satisfying. “It’s relief, and satisfaction, and pride, I think, because it’s largely the same group of people that worked on all three films,” he said.

It is a rare opportunity to craft a three-act story and see it through to its definite conclusion without veering off course or being forced into unwanted sequels.

We believe we stayed true to our vision and did justice to the characters. While it is bittersweet that we won't be collaborating on the same projects anymore, we see it as a significant achievement. All in all, it was a decade well spent.

Is there a How To Train Your Dragon live-action trailer?

There is currently no trailer available for the live-action How To Train Your Dragon movie. However, you can enjoy the best scene from the entire animated trilogy below. Stay updated for more information on the live-action movie, and in the meantime, explore our other animation hubs.

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Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan of the How To Train Your Dragon franchise, I am thrilled about the upcoming live-action adaptation. The original animated trilogy holds a special place in my heart, and I can't wait to see the beloved characters brought to life in a new way. The casting choices seem promising, with Mason Thames and Nico Parker being particularly exciting additions to the cast. I trust Dean DeBlois' vision for the live-action movie, as he has a deep understanding of the franchise and what makes it so special.

However, I also have some concerns about the live-action adaptation. I hope that the filmmakers will stay true to the spirit of the original movies and not stray too far from the storyline that we know and love. I also hope that the visual effects will be top-notch, as the dragons are such an integral part of the franchise and their portrayal will be crucial to the success of the movie. Overall, I am cautiously optimistic about the live-action adaptation of How To Train Your Dragon and can't wait to see how it turns out.