DreamWorks How to Train Your Dragon

Welcome to Berk

DreamWorks How to Train Your Dragon stars Mason Thames as Hiccup, Nico Parker as Astrid, and Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick. Mason steps into the role of Hiccup with grace and conviction as he conveys the characters signature quirks and awkwardness, making his mark on the character in his own special way. Nico Parker stuns as Astrid, adding additional ambitiousness to the character that wasn’t quite at the same level in the animated version. The decision to change Astrid’s hair does not distract from the fact that Astrid is in Berk to get things done while the look amplifies her costume at the same time. Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick will greet viewers like a warm hug. He’s an even bigger force in the live action adaptation which is displayed in the key scenes that he has with Hiccup.

Directed by Dean DeBlois, who also directed the live action adaptation was a wonderful decision as he understood what viewers would want as he has been attached to the franchise since 2010. The writers include Dean Deblois, William Davis (who also wrote the animated version), and How to Train Your Dragon author Cressida Cowell – a dream team one could say.

How to Train Your Dragon is well known for not only its dragons but for its score. Originally composed by John Powell, it’s a breath of fresh air that he did indeed return to compose the music for the live action adaptation. While the score does feature some new additions, such as “Sticks and Stones” which plays with the end credits, fear not. The original songs are still present and even more powerful as ever as viewers are welcomed back to Berk.

A First for DreamWorks

How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is DreamWorks first live action adaptation of one of their very own animated films. While it can be deemed as a perfect ‘shot for shot’ adaptation, the cinematography adds additional depth that one may have not even thought about while watching its predecessor. While viewers are used to live action films running away with the story, adding things, and changing certain plot points that at times may see to go too far, they will not have to worry about this time. This adaptation stays as true to the animated film as possible with only a handful of minor tweaks and additions that add to the depth of the characters and the development of the story. While the original films run time is one hour and 33 minutes, its live action adaptation checks in at one hour and 56 minutes so if viewers were worried about small children and their attention spans, don’t worry. If your children were able to cozy up at home and watch the animated version, they will be able to enjoy seeing Toothless take flight on the big screen.

Speaking of Toothless, the puppeteering team did an excellent service by creating a foam head of Toothless for Mason to work with as a point of contact instead of a tennis ball that is normally used in instances like this. The interactions between the dragons and their riders were seamless and should be praised.

Returning to Berk

It was confirmed, before the film’s release date, that a sequel had been green lit. How to Train Your Dragon 2 is currently in production with Dean DeBois set to direct. With both the animated and live action films securing an ‘A’ Cinema Score, who could blame DreamWorks for taking another flight?

We will be returning to the Isle of Berk in the Summer of 2027.