Directed by Dean DeBlois, the creative force behind the original animated trilogy, the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon brings new life to Berk and beyond. 

With Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nico Parker as Astrid, the film features a young cast that honors the spirit of the original while carving out something uniquely human and emotionally resonant. This includes the rest of the young dragon trainees, who feel lifted straight out of the animated world—yet never feel like caricatures. Their chemistry crackles on screen, delivering humor, chaos, and heart in all the right moments. Each one is instantly recognizable, not just in look, but in tone. They bring familiarity, but also freshness, carrying much of the film’s comedic energy with sharp timing and surprising nuance. 

A standout return is Gerard Butler, reprising his role as Stoick the Vast—this time in the flesh. His performance grounds the story with gravitas, warmth, and a quiet ache that deepens the father-son dynamic. He doesn't just echo his original voice performance—he embodies Stoick, making the character’s internal conflict and love for his son all the more affecting. 

And yes—the trainer (you know who!) doesn’t miss a beat. Equal parts exasperated mentor and scene-stealing comic relief, he brings that same unpolished, lovable energy that fans adored in the original, but with a grounded performance that works beautifully in live action. 

From the very first frame, the film stuns with its breathtaking set design—a rugged, windswept Berk brought vividly to life, teeming with texture, weight, and natural beauty. Every frame feels like it was built, not composited—immersing viewers in a tangible world that somehow feels both ancient and brand new. 

And then there are the dragons. Realized with astonishing care and imagination, they are nothing short of spectacular. The visual effects team delivers a fabulous, emotionally expressive rendition of Toothless. His eyes still speak volumes; his gestures remain unmistakably childlike and curious. You don’t just watch him—you feel him. It’s a triumph of character design and digital soul. 

This retelling doesn’t aim to compete with the animated classic. Rather, it feels like what it is: the same story painted using a different medium — this time not with color and motion, but with light, lens, and flesh. The actors step into beloved roles with care and heart. Thames brings a raw, searching vulnerability to Hiccup, while Parker’s Astrid balances steel and warmth. Their chemistry feels lived-in, not performed. 

While the original dazzled with animated spectacle, this version lingers in smaller moments—glances, silences, held breaths, human reactions. There’s a deeper soulfulness here, perhaps because in live action, everything—every choice, every bond—feels more fragile and real. 

Verdict:

With its soulful performances, visual splendor, and respect for what came before, this How to Train Your Dragon retelling is a remake that justifies its existence—by honoring the story, and deepening our connection to it.

5/5

How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

Presented by Universal Pictures.