How to Train Your Dragon live action remake: What you need to know

Would-be dragon riders prepare yourselves, because DreamWorks Animation's How to Train Your Dragon franchise is getting a live-action remake and the first trailer has been released

The animated film franchise starred Jay Baruchel and America Ferrera and comprised of three films: the 2010 original, 2014's How to Train Your Dragon 2, and How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World that was released in 2019.

An epic fantasy, the critically acclaimed animation followed young Viking Hiccup, an aspiring dragon rider who develops a bond with Toothless, the injured dragon he helped nurse back to health.

Here is everything you need to know about the live-action remake.

When will How to Train Your Dragon be released?

The live-action remake of How To Train Your Dragon is slated to be released on 13 June, 2025. The news was announced by Universal Pictures in February 2023, with filming taking place in Northern Ireland between January and May 2024.

Director Dean DeBlois marked the start of filming by posting a behind-the-scenes picture to his Instagram page. The caption read: "First day of the shoot. We're all excited to get underway!"

Is there a trailer for How to Train Your Dragon?

Yes. The first trailer for How To Train Your Dragon was released by Universal Pictures in November 2024. Watch it below.

What is How to Train Your Dragon about?

Like the animated films, the live-action remake takes its inspiration from Cressida Cowell's children's books. The coming-of-age story charts Hiccup's quest to change humanity's relationship with dragons as coming to terms with loss and finding love.

The official synopsis for the live action remake explains: "From three-time Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, comes a stunning live-action reimagining of the film that launched the beloved franchise.

"On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

"With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.

"As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.

The film also stars Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Bodies), Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn (Smothered), Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club), BAFTA nominee Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Murray McArthur (Game of Thrones)."

Director Dean DeBlois, who helmed the original trilogy, told Empire that the live-action remake would be "so dialled-up in terms of stakes — having a fully credible, photo-real dragon stomping around trying to kill him."

Who will star in How to Train Your Dragon?

Mason Thames and Nico Parker will lead the cast of How to Train Your Dragon, playing Hiccup and Astrid respectively. The characters were voiced by Jay Baruchel and America Ferrera in the animated films.

Parker is best known for playing Joel Miller's daughter Sarah in HBO's The Last of Us, while Thames has appeared in Black Phone and For All Mankind in the past.

"There was a bit of awkwardness, but also a vulnerability to him which [came] with the fact that he was 15 when we were auditioning him," DeBlois said of Thames.

Gerard Butler will be bringing Stoick the Vast to life in live action, having also played the character in the animated franchise.

Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz star Nick Frost has joined the project as a fellow Viking. He'll play Stoick's trusted friend Gobber The Belch. Elsewhere, Deadpool 2's Julian Dennison will play Fishlegs, Bodies star Gabriel Howell will play Snotlout, Wicked's Bronwyn James will portray Ruffnut and The Bubble's Harry Trevaldwyn will play Tuffnut.

British comedian Peter Serafinowicz will also appear in the movie. While specifics about his character are still under wraps, we do know that he will play a Viking - and that he's having a lot of fun doing it.

"I'm doing this film, How to Train Your Dragon," he told Yahoo. "It's the funnest thing I've ever done. I think it's amazing, if you're a fan of that [animated] film it's really f*****g great."

How to Train Your Dragon will be released on 13 June, 2025