“How to Train Your Dragon” (2025) is a live-action remake of the beloved 2010 animated film by DreamWorks Animation. Directed by Dean DeBlois, who also helmed the original trilogy, the film brings back the magic of the Viking world of Berk while introducing fresh performances and breathtaking visuals. The story is inspired by Cressida Cowell’s 2003 novel and continues to explore themes of friendship, courage, and change.
This new version stars Mason Thames as the courageous Hiccup, Nico Parker as the fearless Astrid, and Gerard Butler returning as Stoick the Vast. Alongside them are Gabriel Howell, Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Peter Serafinowicz, and Nick Frost. With advanced CGI and emotionally charged performances, this live-action adaptation tries to stay true to its roots while offering a modern cinematic experience.
Set on the mythical island of Berk, the film follows Hiccup, a young Viking who is more interested in inventing gadgets than fighting dragons. In a world where dragons are seen as enemies, Hiccup shocks everyone by befriending a rare Night Fury dragon he names Toothless. This unlikely bond leads Hiccup down a path of self-discovery as he challenges the traditions of his people.
But their peace is threatened when an ancient enemy resurfaces, aiming to destroy both dragons and humans. As tensions rise, Hiccup and Toothless must bridge the gap between their worlds. Their journey not only changes Berk forever but also redefines what it means to be a leader, a friend, and a hero.
Cast
- Mason Thames as Hiccup, the inventive and kind-hearted Viking teenager
- Nico Parker as Astrid, a brave and determined warrior-in-training
- Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast, Hiccup’s stern but loving father
- Gabriel Howell, Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James, and Harry Trevaldwyn as Hiccup’s fellow Viking teens
- Peter Serafinowicz and Nick Frost in supporting roles
Dean DeBlois’ return as director ensures that the cast and storyline stay faithful to the original’s tone and spirit.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of Berk, this movie delivers a cinematic experience filled with wonder, warmth, and adventure. With solid performances, emotional storytelling, and jaw-dropping visuals, it proves that when remakes are done right, they can be just as magical as the original.
Mason Thames delivers a heartfelt performance as Hiccup, capturing the character’s awkwardness, intelligence, and growth. Nico Parker brings strength and independence to Astrid, proving she’s more than just a supporting role. Gerard Butler returns with a powerful portrayal of Stoick, adding depth to the father-son relationship.
One of the most appreciated aspects of this film is its stunning visual quality. The dragons are lifelike, expressive, and full of personality. Every scene involving flight or battle is a visual treat. Toothless, in particular, looks so real that it’s easy to forget he’s a digital creation. The film’s CGI brings the world of Berk to life in a way that is both magical and believable.
The emotional weight of the story is also very well handled. Hiccup’s struggle to meet his father’s expectations, his internal conflict between tradition and compassion, and his evolving bond with Toothless are all portrayed with depth. There are powerful moments that can bring audiences to tears—especially scenes between Hiccup and Stoick.
The chemistry between the cast is another strong point. Mason Thames and Gerard Butler shine as the conflicted father-son duo. Nico Parker’s Astrid is fierce yet grounded, bringing more depth to her character than the original ever did. The rest of the supporting cast fit seamlessly into their roles, each bringing energy and humor without overdoing it.
The direction by Dean DeBlois is focused and faithful. While some remakes suffer from unnecessary changes, this film respects the source material. It’s not a shot-for-shot remake, but rather a well-balanced adaptation that includes new dialogue and subtle updates that enhance the story without altering its core message.
Another noteworthy aspect is the film’s inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. The diverse cast doesn’t feel forced or tokenistic. Instead, it’s integrated naturally into the Viking world, offering representation while still staying true to the film’s setting and tone.
John Powell’s iconic music from the original makes a return and, for the most part, still holds strong. The emotional highs and lows are backed by sweeping scores that elevate the drama and adventure.
While the film is generally well-received, it does have a few weak points. The biggest issue for some fans lies in the music. Although John Powell’s original score is beautiful, parts of it feel slightly out of sync with the new tone of the film. At times, it seems like the music was forced to fit the old melodies, which slightly limits its emotional impact in this fresh context.
Some viewers also feel that while the film includes new dialogue and scenes, a few important beats from the animated version are missing. These are minor gaps, but for hardcore fans, their absence might be noticeable.
Another small critique is about the casting controversy. A portion of the fanbase was initially unsure about some casting choices, particularly Astrid. However, many of these concerns were quickly dismissed after seeing the performances, with most agreeing that the actors exceeded expectations.
Lastly, while the dragons are visually impressive, some design changes may not appeal to all fans, especially those who are deeply attached to the original animation. But these changes are mostly aesthetic and don’t affect the narrative.
“How to Train Your Dragon” (2025) is a heartfelt, visually stunning adaptation that honors its animated predecessor while adding a fresh live-action spark. It’s not perfect—mainly due to minor flaws in music adaptation and missing beats—but it’s a massive achievement in terms of visual storytelling, emotional depth, and faithful character portrayals.
