Washington [US]: Universal Pictures has officially released the first trailer for the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, offering fans a fresh glimpse into the beloved story.
First Look: Hiccup and Toothless Return
The 2-minute, 28-second trailer reintroduces audiences to Hiccup, a young Viking struggling to live up to his father’s expectations as a dragon hunter, and his legendary bond with Toothless, the elusive Night Fury dragon. The footage showcases their unlikely friendship, breathtaking flight sequences, and the climactic conflict that shapes their journey.
Cast & Crew
Directed by Dean DeBlois, who helmed the 2010 animated classic, the live-action remake features:
- Mason Thames as Hiccup
- Nico Parker as Astrid
- Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick
- Nick Frost and Julian Dennison in supporting roles
The film is set to hit theaters on June 13, 2025.
Dean DeBlois on Reimagining the Classic
Speaking at a special trailer launch event, Dean DeBlois shared his excitement about revisiting the world of Berk, acknowledging that due to budget and time constraints, some elements in the original movie weren’t explored as deeply as he had hoped.
“With the rushed production schedule and limited resources for the first film, there were things we skipped past that we could have done more justice to—some of the characters, the depth of relationships, and the immersive action,” DeBlois told The Hollywood Reporter.
“This version stays faithful to the original story while enriching character relationships and adding mythology that was missing in the animated film.”
A Stronger Role for Astrid
One notable change in the live-action adaptation is an expanded role for Astrid. DeBlois admitted that Astrid was “a little underserved” in the original film. In this new version, she comes from a proud line of Viking warriors and dreams of leading her people, giving her character more depth and agency.
Release Date & Expectations
With a star-studded cast, breathtaking visual effects, and a promise of a deeper emotional journey, the live-action How to Train Your Dragon is poised to be one of 2025’s biggest blockbusters. Fans of the original trilogy can expect a faithful yet enhanced reimagining of Hiccup and Toothless’ epic adventure when the film releases on June 13, 2025.