How To Train Your Dragon Live-Action: A Perfect Cast or Another Mistake?

The highly-anticipated live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon has now confirmed the actors who will bring the beloved characters of Hiccup and Astrid to life. The Dreamworks animated film, which debuted in 2010 and garnered critical acclaim, has since become a major franchise with multiple sequels, spin-offs, and a TV show. Fans have been eagerly awaiting news of the upcoming live-action movie, which has been announced for release on March 14, 2025. In an exciting update from Deadline, it has been revealed that Mason Thames and Nico Parker will be taking on the roles of Hiccup and Astrid respectively. Thames, who previously starred in The Black Phone, will portray Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, while Parker, who most recently appeared in The Last of Us, will bring the character of Astrid Hofferson to life.

Will How To Train Your Dragon Repeat Live-Action Mistakes?

Dean DeBlois, the renowned director and writer behind the successful How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, is set to make his debut as a live-action feature director, writer, and producer. Apart from his work on How to Train Your Dragon, DeBlois has also made a name for himself by writing and directing Disney's Lilo & Stitch, which is slated for a live-action remake in 2024.

Although there is not much information available about the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, it is expected to follow the same storyline as the original 2010 film. However, some fans have expressed concern about the use of CGI to create the dragons, especially in light of mixed reactions to other CGI creatures in recent live-action remakes such as The Lion King and The Little Mermaid. With the success of animated films being adapted to live-action being hit or miss, there is a fear that this latest remake may negatively impact the beloved How to Train Your Dragon franchise.

There has been some debate regarding the timing of a live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon, especially since the third installment of the animated series was released just last year. While there have been concerns about the potential for the remake to fall flat, the success of The Little Mermaid suggests that not all remakes are doomed to failure. As casting for the movie is currently underway, it remains to be seen how public opinion of the project may evolve.