When Dean DeBlois, the visionary director behind “How to Train Your Dragon,” received a call from Universal Pictures regarding a live-action reimagining of his cherished animated film, his immediate reaction was one of hesitation. He thought to himself, “I don’t want to see someone else’s interpretation of this beloved story.” It was not just another project for him; it was deeply personal.

Although DeBlois had never ventured into live-action filmmaking, the animated feature he co-wrote and co-directed with Chris Sanders back in 2010 had blossomed into a beloved trilogy, making it all the more imperative for him to protect its legacy. He passionately appealed to the studio, stating, “If you’re going to pursue this live-action adaptation, please consider me for the role of writer and director.” He assured them, “‘I understand the heart of this story, the intricacies of this world, and the depth of these characters. I promise to carry that essence into this new medium while exploring new avenues for character development, expanding the mythology, and creating a more immersive experience, all while retaining the wonder and emotional depth that fans cherish.’”

And indeed, he followed through on that promise.

In the process of bringing this cinematic adaptation to life, DeBlois recognized the importance of honoring the original animated feature. While the live-action film includes numerous shot-for-shot recreations of iconic scenes, he also understood the opportunity to expand the narrative through compelling storytelling and character arcs.

The film features Mason Thames portraying Hiccup, a young Viking boy whose village faces relentless attacks from dragons. In a turn of fate, Hiccup befriends one of these majestic creatures, Toothless. Together, they embark on an exhilarating journey that not only solidifies their bond but also challenges societal norms, ultimately opening up a world of possibilities for both the Vikings and the dragons they once feared.

DeBlois recently sat down with Variety to discuss how he aimed to honor the animated classic, the changes he made to the storyline, the casting process for his characters, and his insights on the film’s projected box office success.

Understanding the Legacy: How to Honor a Beloved Franchise in Adaptation

Recognizing the passionate and dedicated fan base surrounding the franchise was crucial for DeBlois. He emphasized the need to honor them by incorporating iconic moments that resonate deeply with fans, particularly those rooted in the original animated film.

For instance, the pivotal moment when Hiccup and Toothless begin to bond as they draw in the sand, culminating in their first touch, stands out as an essential scene. Additionally, the breathtaking moment when Hiccup and Toothless soar above the clouds while testing out the flight rig is set to beautiful music composed by John Powell. These moments are not only iconic representations of their friendship but also pivotal points in their entire journey. DeBlois viewed recreating these scenes in live-action as both a tribute to the fans and the original source material, while also allowing for creative exploration in other areas of the film, where some less critical moments could be omitted in favor of deeper character exploration.

Perfecting the Touch Scene: The Heart of Hiccup and Toothless’ Bond

The iconic touch scene between Hiccup and Toothless was of utmost importance to DeBlois. He mentioned that this scene was rehearsed meticulously and filmed in a single day. He attributes much of its success to the talented puppeteering team, who choreographed the intricate movements of the sand drawings and Hiccup’s footwork around them. Tom Wilton, the puppeteer responsible for bringing Toothless to life, played a pivotal role. His ability to seamlessly integrate into the scene made it easy for audiences to believe in Toothless as a real character. With a specially designed foam head that featured articulated ears and mouth, Wilton infused Toothless with an incredible amount of personality. Additionally, Mason Thames, who has a background in ballet, was able to harmonize beautifully with the choreography. To enhance the emotional impact of the scene, John Powell’s music was played through the loudspeakers, creating a magical atmosphere.

Exploring Deeper Narratives: Expanding the Story Beyond the Original

This live-action adaptation provided an opportunity to explore the narrative with greater nuance. DeBlois believed that the father-son relationship could be enriched by delving deeper into Stoick’s character, portrayed by Gerard Butler. By portraying Stoick as a public leader trying to rally his disheartened community after experiencing setbacks, the narrative gains complexity.

DeBlois appreciated the duality of Stoick’s character: the public persona he projects and the vulnerability he reveals behind closed doors. This added dimension not only enhances Butler’s performance but also deepens the emotional connection between Stoick and Hiccup. Their private conversations, leading up to a significant public confrontation, are infused with a sense of authenticity that resonates with anyone who has felt the weight of parental expectations. The film also emphasizes the ongoing threat posed by dragons, reminding the audience that while Hiccup is forging a bond with Toothless, the danger is ever-present, ultimately leading to a pivotal moment that Hiccup must confront.

Unveiling Gerard Butler’s Emotional Range: From Warrior to Vulnerable Father

DeBlois had observed Butler’s range in lesser-known films like “Dear Frankie” and believed he could portray the character’s complexity. This film showcases a blend of Butler’s strengths as an actor, transforming Stoick from a rigid figure into one seeking redemption. The narrative arc sees Stoick initially struggling with his son’s perceived failures, ultimately realizing that Hiccup’s unique qualities could lead their tribe into a peaceful future, showcasing a journey filled with humility and growth.

Creating Believable Dragons: The Artistry Behind Toothless and His Kind

The key to making the dragons, particularly Toothless, feel real and believable lay in the expertise of Framestore, an acclaimed visual effects company known for its talented animators. DeBlois collaborated closely with Framestore’s visual effects supervisor, Christian Manz, and his longtime friend Glen McIntosh, an animation supervisor with experience from the “Jurassic Park” films.

This partnership allowed them to merge photorealistic character design with whimsical personality traits. The results were dragons that maintained their unique personalities while blending seamlessly into a believable setting. This intricate balance between realism and character depth was essential to creating a world where audiences could wholeheartedly accept the existence of these fantastical creatures.

The Inspiration Behind Toothless: Merging Realism with Fantasy

The design inspiration for Toothless stemmed from earlier concepts during the production of the first animated film. Initially, various dragons were conceived with a reptilian aesthetic, masterfully crafted by designer Nico Marley. However, the team recognized the need to reinvent Toothless, who in the books was depicted as a smaller, dog-sized dragon capable of speech. In their adaptation, they envisioned Toothless as a majestic and formidable creature, a legendary figure within the Viking community.

The breakthrough came when the team stumbled upon a striking image of a black panther elegantly draped over a tree branch, exuding both grace and danger with its piercing gaze. This inspired the notion to emphasize Toothless’s mammalian characteristics, leading to the decision to design him as 75% black panther and 25% salamander. This combination allowed Toothless to embody relatable feline traits that resonate with pet owners, making him distinctly engaging and relatable.

Connecting with Fans: The Rise of Pet Comparisons to Toothless

Indeed, there has been a delightful trend where fans share images of their own dogs and cats resembling Toothless. This speaks volumes about the character’s design and the connections it has fostered among audiences and their pets.

Casting the Perfect Hiccup: What Set Mason Thames Apart

In casting the characters, the goal was to embody the essence of each role while ensuring the new interpretations resonated with the spirit of the original. Lucy Bevan, the casting director, provided a diverse range of options for each character. During a flight to London, DeBlois watched “The Black Phone” and was captivated by Mason Thames. He realized Mason was likely around 14 or 15 and could be ideal for the role.

When Mason auditioned, it was apparent that he had a deep understanding of Hiccup, having grown up with the “How to Train Your Dragon” narrative. He even dressed as Hiccup for Halloween, highlighting the character’s significance to him. Mason effortlessly conveyed Hiccup’s self-deprecating humor while also showcasing the character’s emotional depth, using comedy as a shield. As chemistry reads unfolded with various potential Astrids, the connection between Mason and Nico Parker was electric, solidifying their roles in the film.

Addressing Backlash: Supporting Nico Parker in Her Role

Initially, DeBlois felt disturbed by the backlash Nico Parker faced regarding her casting. However, he anticipated that as audiences experienced her performance, their concerns would fade. He expressed confidence that once people saw Nico in action as Astrid, they would recognize her talent and suitability for the role.

Nico was cast not just for her talent but because she perfectly fit the context of the film and its expanded mythology. The notion that Astrid should embody specific physical traits became irrelevant. DeBlois emphasized that Nico’s ability to deliver a strong performance, especially in delivering challenging lines, set her apart. She approached her character with a sports captain mentality, holding Hiccup to a high standard without veering into cruel territory, which made her portrayal uniquely compelling.

Collaborating with John Powell: Reviving a Musical Legacy

DeBlois reached out to John Powell, the original composer, as soon as he began the project. He expressed his desire for Powell’s involvement, seeking reassurance that it was a good idea. Powell shared DeBlois’s vision, emphasizing that if done with love and respect for the existing fan base, this adaptation could serve as a nostalgic embrace for those who grew up with the original “How to Train Your Dragon” films while also welcoming new audiences.

Powell’s enthusiastic response, “If you’re in, I’m in,” provided DeBlois with the confidence to move forward with the project. This collaboration aimed to create a musical experience that resonates with fans of all ages, blending nostalgia with fresh musical elements.

Cutting Scenes: The Challenges of Live-Action Adaptation

While exploring the narrative, DeBlois faced the challenge of deciding which scenes to retain or cut for pacing and narrative clarity. Two scenes that were filmed ultimately did not make it into the final cut. One such scene involved Hiccup and Toothless resting after a pivotal moment, only to be interrupted by smaller dragons attempting to pilfer their fish. Although it was a playful moment, it slowed the film’s pacing and did not contribute significantly to the overall narrative.

Another scene featured a near-discovery by Astrid when she caught Hiccup attempting to hide Toothless in a blacksmith stall. This moment illustrated Hiccup’s clumsy attempts at romance but ultimately detracted from the film’s pacing. Both scenes will be included as bonus content in the eventual home video release, allowing fans to enjoy additional material that enriches the narrative experience.

Anticipating Audience Reactions: Excitement and Polarization Ahead

The film is projected to open with impressive box office numbers, estimated between $67 to $77 million domestically, generating excitement among fans eager to experience this adaptation. DeBlois expressed his enthusiasm upon hearing these projections, although he had initially been unaware of the specific figures.

While he anticipates mixed reactions, including critiques labeling it as an unnecessary remake, DeBlois remains optimistic. He believes that they have successfully honored the original’s heart and soul while delivering an engaging film. Ultimately, the pride he feels in the project is what matters most to him, as he aims to create a film that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.