How to Train Your Dragon, which premiered in 2010, achieved phenomenal success, prompting the creation of two sequels, four short films, and two television series that collectively exceed 100 episodes, captivating audiences throughout the 2010s. The dynamic storytelling crafted by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois transformed this dragon-themed animated fantasy into a beloved franchise, with DreamWorks Animation showcasing its exceptional visual artistry. How to Train Your Dragon is indeed an animated masterpiece, which is why the announcement of a live-action adaptation astonished its dedicated fanbase.

While it may be argued that How to Train Your Dragon did not require a live-action remake, the new adaptation demonstrates that it can be executed with integrity, avoiding the pitfalls of feeling like a mere commercial exploitation. You might wonder what elements contribute to a successful live-action remake that manages to evade the backlash often directed at Disney’s recent adaptations, including their controversial release of Lilo & Stitch? The key is straightforward: if possible, enlist the original creators to reimagine their narrative in a fresh format while remaining faithful to the source material. In contrast, Lilo & Stitch is on a rapid trajectory towards $1 billion in box office revenue, yet has faced substantial criticism for undermining the essence of the original animated classic — also crafted by Sanders and DeBlois. How to Train Your Dragon successfully sidesteps similar criticisms by delivering a largely faithful adaptation, with minor adjustments that enhance the story.

Discover the Live-Action Cast of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Compared to the Beloved Original

The live-action rendition of How to Train Your Dragon closely follows the narrative established in the animated film. Hiccup (Mason Thames) yearns for acceptance from the inhabitants of Berk and struggles with the burden of not disappointing his father, Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler). In his quest to prove his worth as a dragon hunter like his fellow Vikings, he sets out to capture the elusive Night Fury, only to discover that he shares a profound connection with this rarely seen dragon. At its heart, How to Train Your Dragon serves as a coming-of-age tale for Hiccup, delivering essential lessons about embracing individuality and the importance of not judging others based on appearances.

I was amazed to see how closely the new film mirrors the original animated version. The script and visuals align so seamlessly that the live-action film emerges as an epic and exhilarating experience for viewers. The most remarkable aspect of How to Train Your Dragon isn’t merely the sophisticated visual effects that vividly animate Toothless and the array of dragons; it lies in the exceptional casting choices. The voice of original Hiccup, Jay Baruchel, provided a distinctive charm that complemented his endearing personality and quirky design. Although it seems like a touch of Viking magic transformed an animated figure into a live-action character, Mason Thames truly embodies Hiccup. His charisma and charm captivate audiences right from the outset, mirroring the appeal of his animated predecessor. Additionally, the live-action format allows viewers to witness more of Hiccup and Toothless’s bonding and training, elaborating on the montage-style sequences portrayed in the animated film.

In a similar vein, Nico Parker showcases precisely why she was selected to breathe new life into Astrid (previously voiced by America Ferrera). Her introduction mirrors that of the original film, allowing Hiccup’s admiration for the fierce Viking to shine through. Parker and Thames exhibit remarkable chemistry, effectively portraying Astrid’s emotional growth in ways that the animated film did not fully explore, giving her character more space to develop independently. In a time when Disney remakes shy away from embracing the romantic elements that defined their animated classics, How to Train Your Dragon remains true to the blossoming love between Hiccup and Astrid, and it is a true joy to witness its evolution in the film’s climactic moments.

Gerard Butler serves as the crucial link between the animated classic and its live-action counterpart. He reprises his role as Stoick the Vast, Berk’s chieftain, and returns in How to Train Your Dragon to impart the same paternal challenges to Thames’ Hiccup. The new adaptation delves deeper into Stoick’s character, elaborating on the interactions he shares with Hiccup while exploring his responsibilities as chieftain and his relationships with the other Vikings. Although the narrative continues to center on Hiccup’s journey, it provides ample opportunities to view events from Stoick’s perspective, appealing to the film’s older viewers. This perspective shift enriches the story’s central themes of understanding others’ viewpoints and letting go of entrenched beliefs. Butler shines in this role, showcasing a refreshing departure from the action-hero roles he has embraced over the past decade. He possesses all the qualities of a character actor, adeptly embracing the theatricality of Stoick’s grand personality. The dynamic between Butler and Thames creates a captivating father-son relationship that enhances the relatability and charm of the animated film’s original connection.

The remainder of How to Train Your Dragon features a stellar ensemble cast that aligns perfectly with the original voice actors. Nick Frost delivers a comedic performance as the witty blacksmith Gobber the Belch (previously voiced by Craig Ferguson), acting as a fun uncle figure for Hiccup and a sounding board for Stoick’s parenting dilemmas. Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn inject humanity into the film’s comedic relief characters, Tuffnut and Ruffnut. Julian Dennison brings a delightful charm to Fishlegs, the zealous aspiring dragon slayer. The remake further develops Snoutlout (Gabriel Howell), presenting him as a foil to Hiccup. Not only is he competing for Astrid’s affections, but he also desperately seeks his father Spitelout’s (Peter Serafinowicz) approval. These nuanced adjustments elevate the remake, propelling the adaptation to new artistic heights.

Experience the Unmatched Visual Brilliance of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’

Upon its release in 2010, How to Train Your Dragon garnered widespread acclaim for its groundbreaking 3D animation, with outlets like Collider praising the stunning portrayal of flight sequences. At that time, it represented the pinnacle of flight animation and set a high standard for future animated films across the industry. How to Train Your Dragon enlisted the extraordinary talents of Framestore, including VFX Supervisors François Lambert, Andy Kind, and Glenn Melenhorst, along with the production’s VFX Supervisor Christian Manz and VFX Producer Chris Raimo, to vividly render Cressida Cowell’s colorful universe of Vikings and dragons. Their expertise elevates the world of Berk, making it feel more immersive. Toothless, with his adorable cat-like demeanor and expressive reactions, appears utterly authentic. The seamless integration of the actors and dragons during their aerial adventures is a testament to the skill of cinematographer Bill Pope.

The climax delivers some of the most breathtaking visual effects as all characters converge at the dragons’ nest to confront the menacing “Red Death.” While this sequence was intense in the animated version, the visual effects in the live-action film have the potential to be genuinely terrifying for younger viewers. This pivotal scene alone ensures that How to Train Your Dragon will likely receive a nomination for best visual effects at the upcoming Academy Awards.

Beyond just the visual effects, How to Train Your Dragon’s overall aesthetic takes the strengths of the animated film and translates them into a visually stunning experience that complements its fantastical and historical themes. The film’s production designer, Dominic Watkins, skillfully recreates the realm of Berk, expanding upon the animated film’s settings to create a more tangible and immersive environment. Meanwhile, costume designer Lindsay Pugh reimagines the iconic looks from the original with a touch of historical realism, elevating them further.

In a landscape where the majority of live-action remakes have struggled to comprehend why their animated predecessors were cherished in the first place, How to Train Your Dragon represents a refreshing change. While one could argue that the film exists primarily to support Universal Studio’s impressive new Isle of Berk attraction, it justifies its own existence through its groundbreaking visual effects, and the high entertainment value has already led to the greenlighting of a sequel. How to Train Your Dragon stands as an exemplary model of how to successfully execute a live-action remake.

How to Train Your Dragon is scheduled to hit theaters on June 13.