15 years after the animated How to Train Your Dragon, Dean DeBlois returns to Berk in this live-action remake.
The bond between humans and dragons that was stronger when both species were animated cannot be replicated in live-action, as the actors are not dealing with real dragons; however, pure emotion is still able to be felt between them.
While we all may wonder why director Dean DeBlois has taken his gorgeously animated and beautiful story of Hiccup and friends, as they learn that their previous foes, the dragons, might actually be friendlier than their ancestors taught them to believe, and created a new live-action version. However, the 15 years between this live-action remake and its original animated predecessor have allowed the team to change some character arcs and backstories, introduce a more realistic Viking standard, and even alter the overall tone of the film, perhaps making it more suitable for a mature viewer to understand.
Berk, a rocky Scottish isle, where Vikings and dragons have fought and remained enemies throughout generations until one day, one generation, changes everything. Hiccup (Mason Thames) – son of Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler), Berk’s leader – stands apart from the rest of the village. As their parents fight for the future of Berk, the next generation is trained by Gobber (Nick Frost) at the Berk Dragon Training Academy. The next best dragon fighters, led by Astrid (Nico Parker), include Fishlegs (Julian Dennison), Snoutlout (Gabriel Howell), and the twins, Ruffnut (Bronwyn James) and Tuffnut (Harry Trevaldwyn). Strong and ready for the fight, the group of five is always on Hiccup’s case as he has never killed a dragon and never will. Hiccup’s differences shift even further from the normal on Berk as, on one night, he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon, instead of using it as the opportunity to kill his first dragon. As he learns about dragons alongside befriending Toothless, Hiccup is faced with a choice: will he become Berk’s next dragon slayer, or will he change the trajectory of the island forever?
It is difficult to explain or understand how an almost identical remake allowed for almost identical emotions to be felt as would be when watching the original 2010 animated How to Train Your Dragon. Yet out of all of the live-action remakes that have been created over the years – Disney’s many attempts, and most fails, included – DreamWorks has excelled and created live-action dragons that look better than anything in live-action before. There are definitely reasons behind the creatives choosing to remake their beloved animated classic as the runtime changes from 98 minutes to 125. Though this additional time is not felt by the viewer, one is left to wonder where it went within the magic.
Where would we be if Gerard Butler had not returned as the live-action version of Stoick the Vast? There would have been no comparison to him had anyone else been chosen. Voicing Stoick in the original animation, and its two sequels, gave the world a voice and charm, a love for Stoick, and having him return for this remake definitely provided a greater ability for the audience to connect and feel many different emotions. Thames as Hiccup does provide the caricature required for such a quiet and awkward being, and genuine innocence can be felt through his portrayal. Then, through the power of Parker, the sheer strength and at times hostility is conveyed through the screen, allowing the viewer to experience an Astrid as strong and powerful as that in the animated original.
The creation of a live-action How to Train Your Dragon was in no way necessary, but thankfully, the passion and energy that comes from the creatives behind the camera is still felt by audiences. DuBois and crew created a film that allows for memories of the original to be felt and the experience to be shared by audience members once again. New choices were made to change the tone of the film and create relevance for the mature audience that would have grown up with the original. Character backstories become deeper – Snoutlout specifically, Astrid’s dislike for Hiccup, and the twins – the dragons become scarier with new technologies used, and yet the overall result still provides for an emotional experience, even if you know the story.
For those who appreciate the cinematic experience, the change to live-action allowed for scenery to truly be showcased. The vast landscapes, even on the small island of Berk, are stunning. While Hiccup and Toothless take their first flight, the landscapes paired with the score we all know and love can bring tears to our eyes. No matter the difference in the film, the score is absolutely breathtaking and emotional. It will forever be a representation of pure magic. Then, if you are lucky enough to experience the film in IMAX like how it was shot, you will truly feel the magic as the aspect ratio seamlessly changes at the perfect moments.
The bond between humans and dragons that was stronger when both species were animated cannot be replicated in live-action, as the actors are not dealing with real dragons; however, pure emotion is still able to be felt between them. The original 2010 animated How to Train Your Dragon can never be beat, but the magic created in the 2025 live-action is there. In cinemas now, be sure to take flight with Hiccup and Toothless on the biggest screen you can.
Photos: Universal Pictures
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