Inside Universal’s ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Gamble

by Mark Thompson

Universal Banks on ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Remake Despite Skepticism

Can the live-action adaptation of the beloved animated film take flight?

2025-06-14 09:01:00 – Time.news Staff.

Universal Pictures is betting big on a live-action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon,” a move that comes amid growing doubts about the success of these types of adaptations.

  • Universal Pictures is creating a live-action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon.”
  • The project faces skepticism due to the mixed performance of other live-action remakes.
  • The studio is hoping the film will resonate with audiences.

In a market where live-action remakes often meet a frosty reception, Universal Pictures is still charging forward with a live-action version of “How to Train Your Dragon.” The studio clearly believes in the franchise’s enduring appeal, but can the reboot capture the same magic?

The animated “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise has a devoted following, and Universal is counting on this pre-existing fanbase. However, recent live-action adaptations have faced challenges at the box office and with critics, creating a mood of uncertainty.

The project’s success hinges on several factors, including the faithful recreation of the beloved characters and the dragon Toothless‘s visual effects. The creative team is aware of the high bar set by the original movies.

Did you know? The “How to Train Your Dragon” animated film series has earned over $1.6 billion worldwide.

So, why is Universal moving forward? The studio hopes the warmth and wonder of Hiccup and Toothless will resonate with viewers, just like in the original animated films. The studio’s confidence is a gamble, but the potential rewards are significant if the remake can win over audiences.

Unveiling the Roles in the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ live-Action Remake

Global Pictures is set to release a live-action remake of the beloved animated film, “How to Train Your Dragon”, scheduled for release on June 13, 2025 [[2]].

Key Characters and Their Actors

The upcoming “How to Train Your Dragon” movie features a talented cast bringing the story to life. The roles and actors include:

  • Hiccup: Played by Mason Thames [[3]], the inventive Viking who befriends a dragon.
  • Toothless: This iconic Night fury dragon will be brought to life with visual effects.
  • Stoick the Vast: Featuring Gerard Butler [[3]], Hiccup’s father and the chief of the Viking village.
  • Astrid: While not explicitly mentioned by name in the provided search results, the role of Astrid, a key character in the animated film, is anticipated in the remake.

behind the Scenes: The Creative Team

Dean DeBlois is directing the “How to Train Your Dragon” live-action remake [[3]]. The film aims to be a respectful adaptation of the original animated movie [[1]].

Why a Remake?

Universal aims to capitalize on the franchise’s popularity [[2]].The original animated series has a huge global appeal,making it a solid bet for the studio.

The Importance of Hiccup and Toothless

The core of the “How to Train Your Dragon” story revolves around the friendship between a Viking and a dragon. Their bond is the central theme of the movie, promising a heartwarming tale.

The remake hopes to capture the spirit of the original, focusing on the adventures of Hiccup and Toothless. visual effects will bring Toothless to life, crucial to the movie’s impact.

What to Expect from the Live-Action Adaptation

The live-action adaptation of “How to Train Your Dragon” promises to be an exciting event for the animated franchise.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Fans are eagerly awaiting a fresh take on their favorite characters.
  • The filmmakers are working hard on the dragon’s visual effects.
  • The creative crew hopes to bring the same warmth and wonder as in the original films [[2]].

The film is scheduled to hit theaters on June 13, 2025 [[2]]. Reviews of the film were available as early as May 6, 2025 [[1]]. The movie could be a great success, especially after othre recent popular movies.

The movie is expected to be a critical and financial success, but time will tell. The creative team knows the expectations are high and they are dedicated to creating a movie everyone will love.

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