DreamWorks Animation's beloved How to Train Your Dragon trilogy is set for a breathtaking live-action adaptation. The epic fantasy adventure, distributed by Universal Pictures, promises to bring the Viking world of Berk to life with groundbreaking visual effects, emotional storytelling, and thrilling aerial dragon battles that will captivate both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
The film retells the iconic story of Hiccup (Mason Thames), a young Viking who defies tradition by befriending the rare Night Fury dragon Toothless.
As their extraordinary bond deepens, the two must bridge the divide between their warring species when a new threat endangers both dragons and Vikings. Their friendship becomes the key to forging an unprecedented peace and redefining what it means to be a hero.
Acclaimed director Dean DeBlois, who helmed the original animated trilogy - grossing over US$1.6 billion worldwide, returns to expand the mythos with a fresh cinematic approach.
Five can’t miss reasons for this adaptation:
- A dream team reunited
Gerard Butler reprises his fan-favorite role as Stoick the Vast, joined by rising star Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nico Parker as Astrid. Nick Frost brings comic relief as Gobber.
- Next-level dragon realism
Pioneering animatronics and CGI blend seamlessly, with puppeteers operating Toothless's head during filming to create authentic interactions. IMAX® sequences will immerse viewers in dragon-flight like never before.
- Meticulous world-building
Crews constructed full-scale Viking villages in Northern Ireland and filmed across Norway and Iceland. Costume designers handcrafted 4,000 period-accurate outfits, including Stoick's 40kg armor.
- Emotional score upgrade
Oscar-winning composer John Powell returns with an expanded 96-piece orchestra, introducing new themes while keeping the original's iconic melodies.
- Deeper mythological roots
The live-action format allows exploration of Viking lore and dragon biology with fresh detail, from unique fire-breathing effects to cultural rituals.
How to Train Your Dragon is now showing in Hong Kong cinemas.
Directed by: Dean DeBlois
Cast: Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, Murray McArthur
Genre: Epic Action-Adventure
Language: English
Running time: 126mins
Rating: IIA
Distributed by: Universal Pictures (Hong Kong) Ltd.
Marco Lam (marco.lam@singtaonewscorp.com)
