When I first heard they were making a How to Train Your Dragon live action movie, I wasn’t sure what to think. The 2010 animated film is a total classic — full of heart, humor, and jaw-dropping animation. How could anyone top that? But after watching this new version, I can say it doesn’t just try to top it. It respects the original while flying on its own wings.
Dean DeBlois, who co-wrote and directed the original and its sequels, is back at the helm. This How to Train Your Dragon live action remake nails the spirit of the first movie but brings fresh visuals, more emotional weight, and a whole new way to dive into the world of Berk.
🐉 Plot: A Tale as Old as Time, but with New Wings
The story follows the same basic arc fans know and love, but the How to Train Your Dragon live action adds some new layers and moments that really deepen the experience.
Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (Mason Thames nails it) is the son of Viking chieftain Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler), a true Viking through and through — strong, brave, and all about dragon slaying. But Hiccup? He’s different. Clever, inventive, and definitely not your typical warrior. Instead of hunting dragons, he wants to understand them.
It all kicks off when Hiccup shoots down the elusive Night Fury during a raid. But instead of killing the wounded dragon, he shows compassion, names him Toothless, and secretly nurses him back to health. Their friendship is the heart of this story — a bond that flips everything Berk believes about dragons being enemies.
Meanwhile, the village braces for a massive battle against a giant new dragon: the Red Death. As the stakes rise, Hiccup’s secret friendship is put to the ultimate test. With help from fierce Astrid (Nico Parker), loyal Gobber (Nick Frost), the wild twins Tuffnut and Ruffnut (Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn), nerdy Fishlegs (Julian Dennison), and loudmouth Snoutlout (Kit Young), Hiccup fights to unite Vikings and dragons and bring peace.
The climax delivers jaw-dropping aerial battles, a fierce showdown with the Red Death, and powerful moments of bravery, loss, and forgiveness. By the end, Berk is forever changed — a place where Vikings and dragons live side by side, shaping a new future.
🎭 Cast & Characters: Familiar Faces Brought to Life
The casting is a major win here. Mason Thames nails Hiccup with the perfect mix of awkwardness, smarts, and heart — a kid desperate to prove himself in a world that expects something totally different.
Nico Parker’s Astrid stands out as tough, sharp, and a fierce warrior — but also someone who shares a real, growing connection with Hiccup. Their chemistry feels natural and adds a sweet layer of young romance without stealing the spotlight from the adventure.
Gerard Butler returns as Stoick, bringing a commanding presence. Beneath his gruff Viking exterior is a caring dad struggling to understand his son’s different path. Their relationship feels real and layered, adding real emotional weight.
Nick Frost’s Gobber delivers warm, larger-than-life comic relief. The twins, Tuffnut and Ruffnut, bring wild energy and chaos, perfectly capturing the playful spirit fans know and love. Julian Dennison’s Fishlegs is endearing as the dragon-obsessed nerd who brings heart and laughs.
And Kit Young as Snoutlout is fantastic — brash, confident, and equal parts rival and friend to Hiccup. His antics add a fun edge and deliver some of the film’s best laughs.
🐾 Toothless & the Dragons: Magical Creatures with Personality
Toothless totally steals the show in the How to Train Your Dragon live action. The CGI folks really nailed him — his sleek black scales, those cat-like eyes, and that cheeky little personality make him impossible not to love. The way he and Hiccup connect feels real, from the quiet moments to the big flying scenes.
The other dragons are great too. The Gronckle, Monstrous Nightmare, Deadly Nadder — they all get their time to shine. Each one looks and moves so different, it’s like they’re real animals, wild and sometimes pretty goofy.
🌋 Visuals & Worldbuilding: Welcome Back to Berk
Berk looks incredible in the How to Train Your Dragon live action. The rugged cliffs, cozy Viking villages, and stormy seas all feel real and alive. The film nails this balance between gritty, tough Viking life and the pure magic that dragons bring.
But the flying scenes? Those are the real showstoppers. Dragons soaring over mountains, diving through clouds, gliding side by side — they’re packed with energy and beauty. The camera work pulls you right into the middle of the action.
🎬 Direction & Tone: Heart, Humor, and Adventure
Dean DeBlois’s direction shines throughout. He expertly balances the film’s adventurous spirit with its emotional core. The humor is light and natural — Gobber’s jokes, the twins’ chaos, and Snoutlout’s bravado keep things fun without feeling forced.
The emotional moments are handled with care — especially the evolving relationship between Hiccup and his father, and the bond between boy and dragon. These quieter scenes give the story heart and depth, making the action all the more impactful.
🤩 What Makes This Remake Worth Watching?
- Faithful to the Original: This remake doesn’t just copy the animated film — it respects it. It hits all the key story beats fans love but expands on character relationships and adds new details that deepen the story.
- Amazing Visual Effects: The dragons are stunningly realised with incredible CGI that blends seamlessly with the live action. Flying scenes are truly immersive and breathtaking.
- Strong Performances: The cast brings the characters to life with energy, warmth, and humour. Special shoutout to Kit Young’s Snoutlout, who adds fun new dimensions to the Viking crew.
- Heart and Humour: The film strikes a perfect balance of excitement, laughs, and heartfelt moments — a true family-friendly adventure that appeals to all ages.
People Also Ask About How to Train Your Dragon Live Action
If you’re curious about the new How to Train Your Dragon live action, you’re not alone. Fans have a lot of questions about the cast and the film itself. Here are some of the most common ones people are searching for:
Are they making a live-action How to Train Your Dragon?
Yes! The beloved animated hit has been reimagined as a live-action film, releasing in 2025. It brings the story of Vikings and dragons to life with real actors and impressive CGI, offering a fresh way to experience Berk’s magical world.
Who plays Hiccup in 2025?
Mason Thames steps into the shoes of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III. He brings a mix of awkward charm and smarts to the role, capturing the character’s struggle to find his place in a Viking world that expects him to be a fierce warrior.
Who will play Hiccup in live-action?
That’s Mason Thames, the young actor who leads the cast with a nuanced and heartfelt performance, making Hiccup relatable and real in this new adaptation.
Who plays Astrid in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon?
Nico Parker plays Astrid, the fierce and determined Viking warrior who’s both a rival and close friend to Hiccup. Her performance adds emotional depth and a believable chemistry that enhances the story’s heart.
Is Gerard Butler in How to Train Your Dragon live-action?
Yes! Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick the Vast, the strong Viking chieftain and Hiccup’s father. His presence brings gravitas and emotional weight to the film, grounding it in the familiar family dynamic fans love.
🌟 Final Verdict: Soar Into the Adventure!
If you grew up loving How to Train Your Dragon or if you’re just looking for an exciting, heartfelt fantasy adventure, this live-action remake is a must-see. It brings the story, characters, and dragons to life with fresh energy while staying deeply loyal to the original’s spirit.
The bond between Hiccup and Toothless remains as magical as ever, and the Viking village of Berk feels like a real place full of quirks, warmth, and courage. This is a film that will make you laugh, cheer, and maybe even shed a tear — all while flying high on dragon wings. Check out our Letterboxd review here >>
Rating: ★★★★★
If you’re a fan of dragons, adventure, or just great storytelling, the How to Train Your Dragon live action remake is definitely worth a watch. Ready for more? Check out our other reviews for the latest on movies, TV shows, and all things geeky — we’ve got plenty more to dive into!