Directed by: Dean DeBlois
Starring: Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Runtime: 2h 5m
My Rating: 
If you didn’t know, this is the live-action adaptation of the 2010 animated film starring Jay Baruchel and Gerard Butler. I won’t go into the plot of this movie because it’s the same as the animated film. It’s rare to see a live-action adaptation maintain the same plot with very few changes. It’s all thanks to Dean DeBlois, the director of the animated films. He wanted to direct the live-action so nobody else would adapt his work.
With that said, here is my review of How to Train Your Dragon (2025).
It’s Well Done
As far as live-action adaptations go, this one is well done. While I’m not a huge fan of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, I do enjoy the films and television series. This film is doing pretty well, which is great to hear. I’m glad to see DreamWorks Universal succeeding where Disney is failing.
There were some casting concerns (i.e., Nico Parker as Astrid), and even Dean DeBlois was initially “bothered” by it (per an interview with Variety). However, Nico Parker’s build matched Astrid’s, and her performance is fantastic. The writers added some dialog that make a legitimate and plausible explanation for the diversity among the Vikings of Berk. In my opinion, let it go and enjoy the movie. Parker does a great job.
Fun Fact: Nico Parker is the daughter of Thandiwe Newton (Maeve Millay of Westworld).
Of the two live-action adaptations I saw in the theater this year, this was, by far, the better film. I recommend seeing it in the theater if you get the chance.
“The screen is a magic medium. It has such power that it can retain interest as it conveys emotions and moods that no other art form can hope to tackle.”
– Stanley Kubrick