- How to Train Your Dragon’s live-action adaptation is delayed to June 13, 2025, due to ongoing actors’ strike.
- The film aims to stay true to the original narrative while exploring new stories within the Viking and dragon universe.
- Mason Thames and Nico Parker are cast as Hiccup and Astrid, with director Dean DeBlois at the helm.
The upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon has been delayed, pushing its release to June 13, 2025. Universal and DreamWorks are adjusting their timeline due to an ongoing actors’ strike, according to Deadline.
This new entry in the How to Train Your Dragon series takes a significant departure from its animated roots, which have captivated audiences since 2010. The franchise has explored the epic relationship between Vikings and dragons, and the enduring friendship between a young Viking chief, Hiccup, and his unique dragon companion, Toothless, across three main films, short films, and television series.
Enthusiasm for the project is fueled in part by the casting of Mason Thames and Nico Parker as Hiccup and Astrid. Thames, known for The Black Phone and various TV roles, joins Parker, whose career includes HBO’s The Last of Us and the imaginative world of Dumbo. Dean DeBlois, the visionary director behind the animated franchise’s most poignant moments, tackles his first live-action venture with this film, working alongside successful producer Marc Platt, known for “Legally Blonde” and the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked.
The live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon represents a significant step for DreamWorks, opening conversations about the nature of adaptation and the importance of evolving narratives. As the director of the film, DeBlois has expressed a desire to maintain the original narrative’s integrity while leaving room for new stories in the world of Vikings and dragons.
The eager anticipation for the live-action feature is juxtaposed with the delays caused by the SAG-AFTRA strike, illustrating the complexities that underlie the art and execution of filmmaking. How to Train Your Dragon’s live-action adaptation aims to enthrall a new generation of viewers by reigniting the magic of its legendary creatures. With a talented cast and creative team, the film aims to surpass its predecessors and captivate those seeking a flight into a fantastical realm where dragons once soared.