Hiccup and Toothless soar to new heights 

Taking a trip back to the past, on March 10, 2010, the first animated movie in the now-famous, How to Train Your Dragon franchise was released in theaters. It was an instant success, resulting in two sequels, both of which were also box office hits. The book series turned into movie franchise has garnered much love and is beloved by fans to this day, which is why it was no surprise that they were stoked when it was announced that the movies would be adapted to live-action. While fans were excited, however, they were also wary.

“I was kind of excited to hear about it, I just hope they don’t mess with it like the live action Lion King in comparison to the original,” said DBHS Junior Nicholas Nixon.

The official teaser trailer dropped in November 2024, and fan speculation has only grown after having such a talented crew of voice actors bring the characters to life back in 2010, it was going to be a tall order to find an adequate cast together to play the live-action versions. Mason Thames will portray the main protagonist, Hiccup. Gerard Butler will play Hiccup’s father, Stoick the Vast. Julian Dennison is Fishlegs Ingerman, Hiccup’s best friend. Twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut will be played by Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn, respectively. Hiccup’s eventual love interest, Astrid, will be brought to life by Nico Parker.

No need to worry about Hiccup’s adorable dragon friend, Toothless! His design has not changed much, save for some rendering, so this mystical beast is not too jarring against the live-action background. 

“I find deep respect for the CGI artists that recreated him. He’s the perfect balance between cute and menacing, and I am very happy he wasn’t butchered,” DBHS Junior Kenneth Rosario said.

Hopefully, he will be just as loveable as his animated counterpart.

For those unfamiliar with the HTTYD franchise, the audience follows young Viking Hiccup as he struggles to accept the family legacy of dragon slaying. Matters get complicated when Hiccup bonds with the gentle giant Toothless. Now, Hiccup must prove to his community that he can be a fierce Viking Warrior- even if he would rather befriend a dragon than slay one.

Knowing the epic legacy of the animated movie, fans have high expectations for the live-action adaptation.

“Mostly a good relationship with his father, I feel that would really make the story more memorable,” said Nicholas Nixon.

Some fans hope that this movie brings something new to the franchise.

“I hope they don’t try to make it too identical to the animated movies. A bit of originality never hurts,” said Kenneth Rosario.

How to Train Your Dragon (2025) will be released in theaters on June 13. Until then, fans can rewatch the animated movies, which are available on Apple TV, or read the 2003 book by Cressida Cowell on which the movie is based.

Written by Mackenzie Cobbler | Graphic Designed by Janna Margar Pit

Published March 5, 2025 | ePathfinder | Entertainment