How to Train Your Dragon’ Soars at CinemaCon
In a dazzling display of cinematic promise, Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation unveiled their highly anticipated live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon at CinemaCon 2025, held in Las Vegas on April 2, 2025. The screening, attended by journalists, industry insiders, and theater owners, sparked an avalanche of enthusiastic reactions, with many hailing the film as a standout triumph among live-action remakes of animated classics. Directed by Dean DeBlois, who helmed the beloved animated trilogy, this reimagining of the Viking-and-dragon saga has already ignited excitement ahead of its theatrical debut on June 13, 2025.
The original How to Train Your Dragon animated film, released in 2010, captured hearts worldwide with its tale of Hiccup, a young Viking who defies tradition by befriending a dragon named Toothless. The franchise grew into a trilogy, amassing over $1.6 billion globally and earning a devoted fanbase for its blend of humor, heart, and breathtaking visuals. Now, the live-action version aims to bring that same magic to life with real actors and cutting-edge effects, and if early buzz is any indication, it’s poised to succeed.
CinemaCon, an annual gathering where studios showcase their upcoming slates to theater operators, provided the perfect stage for Universal to flex its creative muscles. The event kicked off with a special screening introduced by DeBlois alongside stars Gerard Butler and Nico Parker. Butler reprises his role as Stoick the Vast, Hiccup’s formidable father, while Parker steps into the shoes of Astrid, the fierce Viking warrior. Their presence added a layer of gravitas to the occasion, bridging the animated legacy with this bold new chapter.
Initial reactions from attendees painted a picture of a film that not only honors its animated roots but elevates them. Film critic Tessa Smith gushed that the movie “captures all the charm of the original and transforms it into something I never imagined possible.” She praised the cast’s performances and the “adorable” dragons, admitting she lost count of how many times she was moved to tears. Her sentiment echoed a recurring theme: this adaptation strikes an emotional chord while delivering a visual spectacle.
The story follows Hiccup (played by Mason Thames), a scrawny Viking misfit in the dragon-slaying village of Berk. When he encounters Toothless, a wounded Night Fury, their unlikely bond challenges the warlike traditions upheld by Stoick and the community. The film also features a robust ensemble, including Julian Dennison as Fishlegs, Gabriel Howell as Snotlout, Bronwyn James as Ruffnut, Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut, and Nick Frost as the gruff blacksmith Gobber. Together, they bring the quirky, vibrant world of Berk to life in a way that feels both familiar and fresh.
Online reactions from CinemaCon attendees further amplified the hype. One journalist described the film as “a visually stunning masterpiece,” emphasizing the dynamic flight sequences that left audiences in awe. Another called it “a gorgeous reimagining that retains the heart and humor of the original,” predicting it could become a summer blockbuster. The consensus? This isn’t just another cash-grab remake—it’s a labor of love that respects its source material while carving its own path.
DeBlois, a key figure in the franchise’s success, brings a personal touch to the project. Having directed all three animated films, he understands the delicate balance of staying true to the story’s essence while adapting it for a new medium. His vision shines through in the film’s reported action-packed sequences and emotional depth. One attendee noted that the casting, particularly Butler and Parker, was “spot-on,” with their chemistry grounding the fantastical elements in relatable human dynamics.
The dragons, of course, remain the heart of the story, and early feedback suggests they steal the show. Toothless, with his expressive eyes and playful demeanor, has been a fan favorite since the animated films debuted. Translating such a character into live-action posed a challenge, but the team’s use of advanced CGI has apparently paid off. “The dragons are adorable and awe-inspiring,” one critic wrote, hinting that the visual effects could set a new standard for creature design in cinema.
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Universal’s confidence in the project extends beyond this initial screening. At CinemaCon, the studio announced a sequel to the live-action *How to Train Your Dragon*, slated for June 2027, with DeBlois returning to direct. This bold move—greenlighting a follow-up before the first film even hits theaters—speaks volumes about their faith in the adaptation’s potential. Given the franchise’s billion-dollar track record and the glowing praise from this preview, it’s a gamble that might just pay off.
The timing of the reveal was strategic. Live-action remakes have faced scrutiny in recent years, with audiences growing wary of studios recycling animated classics for profit. Disney, for instance, has had mixed results with films like *Dumbo* and *Mulan*, while others, like *The Lion King*, leaned heavily on nostalgia. *How to Train Your Dragon* seems to sidestep these pitfalls by offering a fresh take that doesn’t merely mimic its predecessor. “It’s going to be one of those movies people talk about for a long time,” one attendee predicted, suggesting it could redefine the genre.
The film’s technical achievements also garnered attention. It’s among a dozen 2025 releases set to be mastered for HDR by Barco laser projectors, a new cinema technology unveiled at CinemaCon. This promises an enhanced viewing experience, with richer colors and sharper contrasts that could make those dragon-flight scenes even more immersive. For theater owners, this is a selling point, ensuring the film will draw crowds eager to see it on the biggest screens possible.
As the June 13 release date approaches, Universal is banking on word-of-mouth to build momentum. Jim Orr, the studio’s president of domestic theatrical distribution, expressed enthusiasm about sharing the film with exhibition partners first. “They’ll be instrumental in bringing this extraordinary adventure to audiences worldwide,” he said in a statement prior to the screening. With CinemaCon reactions setting the tone, that journey seems off to a roaring start.
For fans of the animated trilogy, the live-action *How to Train Your Dragon* offers a chance to revisit a cherished world through a new lens. For newcomers, it promises an epic tale of friendship and courage, wrapped in a package that’s both thrilling and tender. If the early buzz holds true, this could be more than a remake—it could be a reinvention, soaring to heights even Toothless might envy. As one journalist put it, “This is going to be a massive hit.” Time will tell, but for now, the skies over Berk are looking brighter than ever.