The first glimpse of the live-action remake of How To Train Your Dragon has been unveiled, but some fans feel it’s ‘still too soon’.
A new teaser trailer released features a reimagining of an iconic scene from the original animated film, and while some have praised the similar style others are not sure the film should be made in the first place.
The original 2010 film was a Dreamworks Animation production, based on the children’s book series by British author Cressida Cowell. The books, published from 2003, spanned twelve novels and followed the adventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third in a fantasy Viking world.
Dreamworks’ film captivated both fans of the books and new audiences. It also inspired two sequels, several short spin-offs, and animated series.
Now, following the trend of classic Disney films, it is being transformed into a live-action version. Original writer and director Dean DeBlois is returning to direct the remake while Gerard Butler will also be reprising his role as Chief Stoick.
Some think the remake is coming ‘too soon’ after the original animation (Image: Universal Pictures)
Slated for release next summer, a teaser trailer from the studio offers fans a sneak peek at what’s to come, including a frame-for-frame remake of one iconic moment. It is of when Viking hero Hiccup meets his dragon, Toothless, mirroring the original animated film, reports .
Fan reactions to the newly released footage of the live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon are decidedly mixed. One fan expressed scepticism about the necessity of the remake, commenting: “I don’t think a single person has ever thought to themselves, ‘Gee I really wish they made a live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon.'”
Another fan, while questioning the need for a new adaptation, shared their praise for the remake: “While I do not see a point in a live action HTTYD because the original movie is and always will be one of the best pieces of cinema to ever exist, I will award points for the casting of Hiccup and for the dragons actually looking like ‘real’ versions of their animated counterparts.”
A memorable scene from the original has been recreated exactly (Image: Dreamworks)
The design of Toothless the dragon, which remains strikingly similar to his animated form, has been a positive note for many fans. A supporter remarked: “I’m glad they made Toothless look basically the same. I hope he is just as expressive as in the animated as well.”
Yet, some fans feel that not enough time has passed before remaking such a memorable film with a story that many young audience members love, with one stating: “It’s been 14 years and this still feels too soon.”
In addition to the teaser trailer, Universal Pictures shared a behind-the-scenes clip featuring writer and director DeBlois explaining his decision to remake the film. He shared his personal connection to the project, saying: “I decided to revisit How To Train Your Dragon because it felt like an amazing opportunity to not only direct a live-action movie but to be jumping back into a world that I frankly miss.”
DeBlois continued, expressing his nostalgia and affection for the franchise: “I miss these characters, I missed this world and I love movies that have a really poignant message buried deep within.”
“My hope is that those who had seen and loved the How To Train Your Dragon films will be keen to see what we’ve done because it comes from a place of love and it comes from a place of respect.”
How To Train Your Dragon is coming to cinemas June 13, 2025