The How to Train Your Dragon franchise became a huge success, starting with the first film in 2010, produced by Universal Studios. The story centers around Hiccup, a young boy living on an island constantly under threat from dragon attacks. Initially trained to hunt and kill dragons alongside his fellow villagers, Hiccup’s life takes an unexpected turn when he befriends a wounded Night Fury dragon, forming a unique and lasting bond between the two.
The original How to Train Your Dragon movie was a huge hit both critically and commercially, pulling in $494 million worldwide and securing a near-perfect 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The success led to two more films: How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019). Now, as live-action adaptations continue to dominate Hollywood, the franchise is set to make the leap to live-action, with Universal at the helm of this exciting new take on the story.
The How to Train Your Dragon franchise is making its highly anticipated return to the big screen with its first-ever live-action film. The release of the teaser trailer has provided fans with an exciting glimpse into what’s to come. This article has been updated to include additional details about the new and returning cast, as well as to improve the reader experience, all while following CBR’s formatting guidelines.
How to Train Your Dragon 4 Movie Plot Insights
The How to Train Your Dragon series, based on Cressida Cowell’s 2003 books, became a hit after its original film, leading to sequels and spin-offs. The upcoming live-action film will follow the animated version’s plot. It tells the story of Hiccup, a young Viking on the Isle of Berk, where dragons threaten the community. Trained to fight dragons, Hiccup forms an unexpected bond with a rare Night Fury, discovering the truth about dragons and how his people can coexist with them.
A highlight of the How to Train Your Dragon series is its diverse dragon species, including Toothless, the Night Fury, and others like the Deadly Nadder, Gronckle, and Thunderdrum. Fans are eager to see these dragons faithfully recreated in the live-action film, especially Toothless, hoping for a portrayal that is both fearsome and endearing. Jay Baruchel, who voiced Hiccup in the animated films, advised the new cast: “Respect the dragon, and he’ll respect you, and just enjoy it.”
How to Train Your Dragon Main Casts
In the original film, Hiccup was voiced by Jay Baruchel, known for his role in She’s Out of My League. In the live-action adaptation, sixteen-year-old actor Mason Thames will take on the role. Thames made his acting debut in the Apple TV+ series For All Mankind and gained widespread recognition for his performance in the 2022 film The Black Phone, which was both a critical and commercial success.
In the 2010 animated film, Astrid, Hiccup’s love interest, was voiced by America Ferrera. In the live-action version, nineteen-year-old Nico Parker will portray her. Parker, who debuted in Dumbo (2019), gained recognition with Suncoast and The Last of Us. She explained that the remake will offer a new interpretation of the story while preserving the original film’s themes and spirit.
Who Are the Supporting Actors in How to Train Your Dragon 4 Movie?
The supporting cast in How to Train Your Dragon played a crucial role in the charm of the animated films, with memorable characters brought to life by a talented group of actors. In the live-action version, Gerard Butler will return as Stoick the Vast, Hiccup’s father and leader of the Hooligan Tribe, much to the excitement of fans. Nick Frost, famous for his role in Shaun of the Dead, will step into the role of Gobber, the blacksmith who guides Hiccup, Astrid, and the others in their dragon training. While Craig Ferguson originally voiced Gobber, Frost is expected to add his own unique touch to this endearing character.
In the live-action How to Train Your Dragon, Julian Denison will play Fishlegs Ingerman, previously voiced by Christopher Mintz-Plasse. Other key roles include Gabriel Howell as Snotlout, Bronwyn James as Ruffnut, and Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut. Ruth Codd, known for advocating disability awareness on TikTok, will portray Phlegma, a role originally voiced by Ashley Jensen. Codd made her acting debut in Netflix’s The Fall of the House of Usher.
The Cast and Crew Reveal Updates on Production
A positive sign for the live-action adaptation is the return of Dean DeBlois as director, who helmed the animated films. DeBlois will also write the screenplay, with Oscar-nominated producers Marc Platt and Adam Siegel on board. The film was initially set for release on March 14, 2025, with production starting in the summer of 2023.
Production of the live-action How to Train Your Dragon was delayed by the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes but resumed afterward. Filming took place in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and wrapped after 85 days on May 16, 2024. The film’s release is now set for June 13, 2025. DeBlois praised the cast and crew for their hard work, sharing a post that showcased the Book of Dragons and a drawing of Gobber’s helmet.
The cast shared positive reactions to the filming, with Thames calling it an “honor” to play Hiccup, Parker and Frost expressing love for DeBlois, and Dennison jokingly saying, “Love you DAD.” A fan’s comment suggesting DeBlois might cameo as Fishlegs’ father has sparked speculation about his potential appearance in the film.
How to Train Your Dragon 4 Movie Release Date
On November 19, 2024, Universal Pictures unveiled the first trailer for the live-action How to Train Your Dragon, offering fans a preview of what’s to come. The trailer suggests a nearly identical recreation of the original animated film, following its scenes closely. As a result, the trailer has sparked mixed reactions from viewers, with some thrilled by the faithful adaptation and others unsure about its resemblance to the original.
Some fans of the franchise have raised concerns about the film’s significance if it doesn’t introduce new storylines. However, one aspect that has received widespread praise is Toothless’ design, with many fans expressing satisfaction. This is in contrast to other live-action remakes, such as Sonic the Hedgehog, where character designs were met with criticism.
What is the official name for How To Train your Dragon 4 Movie?
The Official Name for How To Train your Dragon 4 Movie is Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon