A LEGACY REFORGED: HICCUP AND
TOOTHLESS TAKE FLIGHT AGAIN
Back at the start of the 2010s, DreamWorks Animation released How to Train Your Dragon, a new animated feature based on the popular young readers series by author Cressida Cowell. Directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, the film followed Hiccup, an undersized teenage Viking who longs to slay dragons like the rest of his tribe, until he injures a rare Night Fury and, instead of killing it, forms an unlikely bond with the creature he names Toothless. With voice performances by Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, T.J. Miller, and Kristen Wiig, the film premiered on March 26, 2010, and was met with widespread critical and commercial acclaim. It grossed over $490 million worldwide, becoming the tenth highest-grossing film of that year, and was praised for its animation, voice cast, emotional storytelling, humor, and John Powell’s soaring musical score. The film earned two Oscar nominations at the 83rd Academy Awards and sparked a successful franchise, including two sequels, several television series, and multiple short films. Now, nearly fifteen years later, Universal Pictures and DreamWorks reunite with director Dean DeBlois to reimagine the story that started it all, this time in live action with the movie appropriately titled How to Train Your Dragon. But does this retelling of the beloved 2010 classic take flight once again… or come crashing down as just another unnecessary remake?
THE STORY
Far away on the island of Berk, a rugged Viking village lives in constant preparation for battle against the dragons that regularly raid their homes for food and supplies. Hiccup (Mason Thames), a young inventor and apprentice to the village blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost), struggles to live up to the expectations of his father, Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler), Berk’s stern and battle-hardened chieftain. Seen as a nuisance and lacking the killer instinct of a true Viking, Hiccup’s life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers an injured dragon, rare and mysterious Night Fury, after a village attack. Instead of slaying the creature, Hiccup chooses to study it. Realizing it’s unable to fly due to a damaged tail, he uses his ingenuity to build a prosthetic and slowly earns the dragon’s trust. Naming it Toothless, Hiccup forms an unlikely friendship with the sleek, black beast and learns that dragons may not be the enemies his people believe them to be. As their bond grows, Hiccup finds himself torn between loyalty to his village and his growing connection to Toothless. With tensions rising and Stoick preparing for war, Hiccup and his dragon must act quickly to prevent a catastrophic clash between humans and dragons.
THE GOOD / THE BAD
What can I say… I’m a big fan of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise. While I’ve only seen a few episodes from the various TV spin-offs, I’ve watched the original trilogy countless times since their theatrical releases. I won’t dive too deep into the first film here—as I’ve already written a cinematic flashback review for it (HERE), but I’ll say this: it’s a fantastic start to the animated series it inspired, laying a strong foundation through its heartfelt story, well-drawn characters, and stunning animation.
As for the two sequels (How to Train Your Dragon 2 and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World), both represent a rare case in which follow-up entries nearly match the heart and emotional resonance of the original. They do exactly what sequels should, expanding the narrative and character arcs in meaningful ways without ever feeling redundant or unnecessary. Each film builds organically on what came before, deepening the world of Berk while staying true to the series’ emotional core. The conclusion of The Hidden World, in particular, provides a satisfying and poignant end to Hiccup and Toothless’s journey, one that longtime fans (myself included) can truly appreciate.
All in all, the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy beautifully tells the story of an unlikely friendship between boy and dragon, filled with growth, hardship, and heart. It remains one of DreamWorks Animation’s most emotionally resonant and narratively fulfilling sagas.
Naturally, that brings me to the live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon (2025)—a new, updated reimagining based on the beloved 2010 animated film. I can’t recall exactly when I first heard about this project, but it immediately piqued my interest. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve always loved How to Train Your Dragon, so the idea of a live-action remake was both exciting and intriguing. The early news only fueled that excitement: original director Dean DeBlois was returning to helm the film, Gerard Butler would reprise his role as Stoick, and composer John Powell was back to score the feature once again. It almost sounded too good to be true, everything seemed to be aligning perfectly.
The trailers and promotional material did a great job highlighting the film’s epic tone and iconic moments. Visually, it looked stunning, with shots that mirrored the original in a breathtaking new way. However, I also began hearing reports that this remake would be a near shot-for-shot adaptation, which understandably sparked mixed reactions. Live-action remakes have become a polarizing trend, and many, including myself, consider the original How to Train Your Dragon to be a near-perfect animated masterpiece. Naturally, that raised some concerns. Would this remake add value, or would it simply feel like a redundant rehash that risks diluting the franchise’s legacy?
Despite some hesitation, I remained optimistic and was eager to see how it would all unfold when the film released on June 13th, 2025. I saw it on opening day and was eager to put together this review as soon as I could. So… what did I think?
Honestly, I really liked it. While it’s true that this version closely mirrors its animated predecessor, How to Train Your Dragon (2025) still stands as one of the most visually stunning and emotionally faithful live-action remakes to date. Thanks to DeBlois’s direction, the film retains the heart and soul of the original, with a strong cast that brings the familiar characters to life in fresh and engaging ways. No, it doesn’t bring much new to the table and some may question the need for its existence—but for me, it was a cinematic joyride. It reintroduces the powerful origin story of Hiccup and Toothless in a new medium, and perhaps even delivers the best live-action remake we’ve seen so far. A subtle but effective counterpunch to Disney’s many middling attempts.
As mentioned earlier, How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is directed by Dean DeBlois—the same filmmaker who co-directed the original 2010 animated film and later helmed both of its acclaimed sequels. Given his longstanding involvement with the franchise and his deep understanding of its world, characters, and emotional tone, DeBlois was the ideal choice to bring How to Train Your Dragon into the realm of live action. In my opinion, this was absolutely the right move. From its inception, DeBlois has nurtured this story with care and sincerity, building it into one of DreamWorks Animation’s most beloved properties. Having him return to oversee the live-action adaptation ensures that the same level of quality, heart, and vision is preserved.
It’s immediately evident just how faithful this new version is to its animated predecessor. DeBlois chooses to retain nearly every narrative beat, character dynamic, and key visual moment from the original film, updating only the visuals through the lens of modern live-action filmmaking. Many scenes and sequences are recreated almost shot-for-shot—making this a true 1:1 adaptation. This decision, naturally, will draw criticism. Some may find it overly safe or creatively redundant. But for me, it didn’t detract from the experience. The original film was already incredibly effective at telling Hiccup and Toothless’s story, with compelling themes of identity, empathy, and transformation. In that context, it’s easy to understand why DeBlois opted to preserve that structure.
This leads to a broader conversation about the current state of live-action remakes, particularly in the wake of Disney’s attempts over the past decade. The results have been mixed. In some cases, the remakes attempt to deepen their source material with added subplots or expanded lore, but often at the cost of narrative pacing or emotional resonance (as seen in Aladdin (2019), Dumbo (2019), and Snow White (2025)). In others, they cling so tightly to the original that they feel lifeless, lacking the soul that made their predecessors memorable, The Lion King (2019) and Pinocchio (2022) being prime examples.
By contrast, How to Train Your Dragon (2025) feels like a rare exception. DeBlois treats the material not as a product to be retooled, but as a story to be faithfully retold. His direction protects the integrity of the franchise, capturing the core themes and emotional truths that made the original so special. From the exhilarating “test drive” scene to the quiet poignancy of the “forbidden friendship” moment, all of the emotional highs remain intact—just now rendered in live-action form. Yes, it may feel like a copy-and-paste effort to some, but I’d argue it’s more of a careful restoration than a hollow duplication. Sometimes, changing too much risks damaging the soul of a story, and DeBlois seems to understand that intimately.
One key benefit of the live-action format, however, lies in its capacity for emotional expression. The performances, particularly during the more grounded human drama moments, have a visceral quality that animation, while expressive in its own way, can’t always fully replicate. These sequences bring a new layer of humanity to the characters and help deepen our connection to them. The ability to see real actors convey pain, joy, fear, and wonder adds tangible weight to scenes we’ve already come to know and love.
As DeBlois said in an interview about the project, “It comes from a place of love, and it comes from a place of respect.” That sentiment is woven into every frame of How to Train Your Dragon (2025). It doesn’t attempt to overshadow or reinvent the animated classic, but rather to reintroduce its heart, spirit, and soaring imagination through a new cinematic lens. And, for that, I commend and applaud DeBlois.
Another standout element in How to Train Your Dragon (2025) lies in its stunning CGI and visual effects, particularly in the dramatic aerial sequences and the depiction of the many dragons that populate the film. Some of the most iconic moments in the original animated movie came from the fast, fluid, and exhilarating shots of Hiccup riding Toothless across the skies. Thankfully, director DeBlois recaptures that same sense of wonder in live-action form, delivering sequences that are both breathtaking and thrilling to watch. The sweeping visuals feel cinematic, dynamic, and deeply immersive.
The dragons themselves are also a visual feast. Most, if not all, of the original concept designs have been faithfully retained and updated with a realistic look, much in the same way Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019) brought familiar creatures into the real world. Toothless, in particular, remains largely unchanged in design, which is a smart and welcome decision. He’s still sleek and elegant, yet retains his lovable charm and emotional expressiveness, especially in his eyes. It’s a relief that the filmmakers didn’t overdesign or alter what already worked so well.
The other dragons, including a variety of Gronckles, Deadly Nadders, Hideous Zipplebacks, and Monstrous Nightmares, are all rendered with impressive detail, bringing their animated counterparts to life in exciting new ways. They’re bigger, more textured, and in some cases more intense, but never lose the essence of what made them special. That said, it’s worth noting that the realistic CGI does give the dragons a slightly fiercer, more intimidating appearance, particularly one that shows up in the third act. While this adds to the stakes and drama of the film, it may be a bit frightening for very young viewers. It didn’t bother me personally, but parents should be aware that, despite the PG rating (same as the original), the more lifelike designs may come off as a little intense in a few scenes.
Overall, while some may take issue with the film’s adherence to familiar plot beats, DeBlois still delivers a visually spectacular and emotionally faithful remake. It keeps the heart and spirit of the original intact while presenting it through a dazzling new cinematic lens for today’s audiences.
From a presentation standpoint, How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is top-notch, brimming with rich detail, thoughtful design, and a world that feels both grounded and fantastical. Fusing practical realism with whimsical fantasy, director Dean DeBlois and his team faithfully bring the world of Berk to life, drawing heavily from the visual identity of the original animated film. It was certainly a tall order, but the live-action version captures that unique atmosphere impressively well.
The village of Berk, in particular, looks incredible, weathered and lived-in, yet still vibrant and full of character. It feels like a real place, one shaped by history, battles, and community, and the film’s production team deserves full credit for that. From the intricate set pieces to the Viking-inspired decor and detailed costume work, everything feels authentic and immersive. Scenic vistas and wide establishing shots echo the animated film’s most iconic moments, giving the world a lush, windswept beauty that genuinely makes you want to step into it. A special shoutout goes to the film’s behind-the-scenes team: Dominic Watkins (production design), Daniel Birt and Ryan Kearney (set decoration), Lindsey Pugh (costume design), and the entire art direction crew for their phenomenal work in building Berk from the ground up.
Adding to the cinematic beauty is Bill Pope’s cinematography, which is well-executed and gorgeously framed. His camera work captures the grandeur and intimacy of the story, translating the animated film’s visual poetry into striking live-action imagery. Iconic moments from the 2010 version are recreated with style and precision, making them feel fresh yet familiar. Also, the sound design, both editing and mixing, is equally impressive. From the thunderous roars of dragons to the explosive aerial battles, every audio cue feels crisp and immersive, enhancing the cinematic experience.
And of course, there’s the score. Composer John Powell returns to reprise his brilliant musical work from the original, and hearing those sweeping melodies again, this time woven into a live-action backdrop—is nothing short of breathtaking. With slight variations and new arrangements, the music remains as emotionally powerful and memorable as ever. Fans of the original will instantly recognize standout tracks like “Forbidden Friendship” (A Really Forbidden Friendship), “Test Drive (Test Driving Toothless), “Romantic Flight” (A Romantic Flight), and “Coming Back Around” (We Have Dragons), each beautifully integrated into this new adaptation. Quite simply, it’s music to the ears and I loved it.
Of course, How to Train Your Dragon (2025) isn’t without its flaws. While I genuinely enjoyed the film, this live-action remake isn’t immune to criticism, and there are certain limitations it simply can’t overcome. Chief among them is the question of its very existence. The film is, for all intents and purposes, a near beat-for-beat remake of the 2010 animated original, with many scenes recreated shot-for-shot, down to the camera angles and framing. As I mentioned earlier, it follows the same narrative trajectory so closely that it often feels like a carbon copy of its predecessor.
To be fair, I understand what director Dean DeBlois was aiming for here. The original How to Train Your Dragon is a fantastic film, telling Hiccup and Toothless’s story with heart, clarity, and emotional resonance. It’s paced well, visually dynamic, and tonally rich. That said, this live-action version doesn’t take many risks. There are only a few added scenes, none of which significantly change or expand the experience, making the remake feel more like a visual reskin than a reinvention. The result is a faithful but arguably redundant adaptation that doesn’t offer much new beyond the live-action aesthetic.
This is where opinions are likely to diverge among both fans and critics. Many will understandably question the purpose of remaking such a recent and well-regarded animated film, especially when the original, at 25 minutes shorter, still provides a tighter, more effective viewing experience. Is this remake a cash grab banking on nostalgia and franchise popularity? In part, yes. Whether it’s a loving tribute or a soulless rehash depends on the viewer’s perspective. For me, it wasn’t a dealbreaker and I did greatly enjoy and revisiting the story, but I do wish the film had taken a few more creative liberties to distinguish itself and explore untapped areas of the story or world.
One of the inherent challenges of translating animation to live action is that certain stylistic qualities are inevitably lost in the process. The expressive eyes, exaggerated movements, and heightened vocal inflections that define animated characters, especially in the original How to Train Your Dragon, are difficult to replicate in a realistic setting. While the live-action cast delivers strong performances and handles emotional beats with authenticity, some of the whimsical energy and comedic timing from the original doesn’t fully land here. These tonal shifts are most noticeable during the film’s lighter moments, where the humor occasionally feels muted or restrained.
That’s where this remake stumbles a bit. It’s certainly not as lifeless as Disney’s The Lion King (2019), but there’s no denying that certain lines and scenes hit harder, whether emotionally or humorously—in the original 2010 version. What’s presented here still works and works well, but doesn’t soars quite as high nor as poignant as to its animated counterpart.
The cast of How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is a lively ensemble of both familiar faces and lesser-known talents, many of whom clearly enjoyed stepping into this remake, something that shines through in their performances. Since the film is a near one-to-one adaptation of the animated original, most of the actors stay close to their characters’ established portrayals. While this limits the opportunity for fresh reinterpretation, the majority of the cast embraces their roles with enthusiasm and sincerity, successfully bringing these beloved characters to life in a new format.
Leading the film is actor Mason Thames as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the awkward but inventive son of Stoick the Vast. Known for his work in For All Mankind, The Black Phone, and Monster Summer, Thames isn’t yet a household name, but this film might just change that. He does an excellent job portraying Hiccup, channeling the character’s signature quirks, insecurities, and emotional depth. Much like Jay Baruchel’s performance in the original, Thames makes Hiccup immediately likable and easy to root for. While a few of the lifted dialogue lines don’t land quite as naturally as they did in animated form, Thames remains charming and heartfelt throughout. He convincingly navigates a full emotional range, fear, wonder, sadness, joy, and shares a believable bond with both his human co-stars and the CGI-rendered Toothless. Regardless of how audiences feel about the film as a whole, most will agree that Thames was the perfect casting choice for Hiccup.
Alongside him, actress Nico Parker (Dumbo and The Last of Us) portrays Astrid Hofferson, Hiccup’s love interest and fellow dragon trainee. Her casting generated some pre-release controversy, though I won’t dwell on that here. Personally, I found her to be a solid choice for the role. Parker captures Astrid’s fierce determination and warrior spirit well. That said, her performance does feel a bit stiff at times, particularly in the first act, and lacks some of the energetic nuance that America Ferrera brought to the character in the animated version. The chemistry between Parker and Thames also feels slightly off early on, though it improves significantly by the third act. Overall, Parker holds her own and shows potential to grow into the role, especially if sequels are on the horizon.
Returning from the animated trilogy, actor Gerard Butler (300 and Den of Thieves) reprises his role as Stoick the Vast, this time in live action. Originally providing only the voice for the character, Butler now fully embodies Stoick in costume and makeup, and it’s a treat to watch. As a co-creator of the character’s persona, Butler brings the same commanding presence, booming voice, and emotional weight that defined Stoick in the original films. While most of his lines are carried over from the 2010 version, he delivers them with gravitas and conviction, particularly during the film’s more heartfelt moments. His performance is a standout and serves as a strong emotional anchor for the story. Alongside Thames, Butler is one of the film’s most valuable assets.
Actor Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz) steps into the role of Gobber the Belch, Berk’s blacksmith and dragon training instructor. Voiced by Craig Ferguson in the animated version, Gobber was always a mix of comic relief and mentor figure, and Frost picks up that mantle well. While he echoes some of Ferguson’s cadence, Frost brings his own brand of charisma and humor, making Gobber one of the more entertaining supporting characters in the film.
As for the rest of the dragon trainee teens, Fishlegs Ingerman, Snotlout Jorgenson, and the chaotic twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut. they’re played by actor Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2 and Hunt for the Wilderpeople), actor Gabriel Howell (Nightsleeper and Bodies), actress Bronwyn James (Wicked and Harlots), and Harry Trvaldwyn (The King and The Bubble) respectively. Each actor leans into their animated counterpart’s personality, delivering plenty of comedic moments and adding flavor to the ensemble. Snotlout, in particular, is given a bit more depth through a subplot involving his father, which helps flesh out the world of Berk slightly more. Still, as mentioned earlier, the animated performances, bolstered by talents like Jonah Hill, Kristen Wiig, T.J. Miller, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse, had a more exaggerated and vibrant energy that doesn’t always fully translate here. That said, the live-action cast still does a respectable job embracing their roles.
Rounding out the supporting cast are actor Peter Serafinowicz (Couple’s Retreat and Spy) as Snotlout’s father Spitelout Jorgenson, actress Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club and The Fall of the House of Usher) as a female Viking villager in Berk named Phlegma, actor Murray McArthur (Wonka and Game of Thrones) as male Viking villager in Berk named Hoark, and actress Naomi Wirthner (The Outrun and Slow Horses) as Berk’s village elder Gothi. While these characters are limited by design, each actor makes the most of their screen time and contributes to the film’s lived-in atmosphere.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As his people wage daily war against dragons, Hiccup, a young and awkward Viking, forms an unlikely bond with one of the creatures, intertwining their fates in a heartwarming friendship that transcends fear and tradition in How to Train Your Dragon (2025). Director Dean DeBlois returns to retell the story he first brought to life in 2010, now through a live-action lens. The result is a faithful, visually striking remake that holds tightly to the emotional core, themes, and character dynamics that made the original animated film such a beloved classic. Yes, the film is largely a shot-for-shot recreation of its predecessor, a choice that will no doubt draw criticism from some viewers, and it does lose certain nuances that animation captures more vividly, especially in comedic timing and exaggerated expressive and dialogue delivery. However, DeBlois still manages to soar above the sea of recent Hollywood remakes, thanks to his sincere direction, a timeless and compelling story, a gorgeous visual presentation, Powell’s evocative returning score, and a strong cast, particularly standout performances from Mason Thames and Gerard Butler. Personally, I really enjoyed this movie. While it may lack in originality, it succeeds by delivering a heartfelt and faithful live-action translation of the original tale, carrying over the wonder, warmth, and emotional impact of Hiccup and Toothless’s journey into a new format. The structure of the original remains intact, and this new version honors rather than diminishes it. Some elements do resonate more powerfully in animation, but a handful of moments in the live-action version carry surprising emotional weight and cinematic grandeur. Does this remake surpass the 2010 animated film? No. That version still remains my favorite of the two. But to its credit, this remake doesn’t tarnish the franchise, in fact, it helps reintroduce its timeless message to a new generation. It enhances the world of How to Train Your Dragon without rewriting its legacy. Thus, my recommended verdict for this movie would be a strong highly recommended. Longtime fans will appreciate seeing this familiar story brought to life in a new way, and newcomers are sure to be captivated by this heartfelt tale of courage, growth, and friendship. With a sequel already greenlit for a tentative release in June 2027, the question now is whether it will mirror How to Train Your Dragon 2 or forge an entirely new path forward. Either way, I’m excited to see where this journey leads next. In the end, though it walks in the shadow of its animated predecessor, How to Train Your Dragon (2025) spreads its wings with grace and purpose, rekindling the fire of imagination and reminding us that even in a world of towering beasts and hardened warriors, the fiercest skies can be conquered when hearts soar together… and some stories don’t need to be reinvented, only reborn in the right hands.
4.3 Out of 5 (Highly Recommended)
The official website for How to Train Your Dragon link: HERE
Released On: June 13th, 2025
Reviewed On: June 16th, 2025
How to Train Your Dragon is 125 minutes long and is rated PG for sequences of intense action and peril
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