“How to Train Your Dragon” is coming to theatres this June with a live-action version showing in IMAX, 4DX and RealD 3D. The movie will follow the same storyline as the animated one and will be directed by the same director, Dean Deblois. It will also be produced by Dreamworks, like the original.

“I think that a lot of movies ruin it when they try to make a new one, but at the same time, I like to see a couple of differences, maybe a little more wittier,” senior Stephen “Luke” Rowan said.

The main cast was announced in May 2023. Astrid Hofferson and Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III are the two main characters, and they are played by Nico Parker and Mason Thames respectively. In this new film, Astrid’s storyline will be getting a bit more attention. The production started on January 15, 2024, and ended on May 16, 2024. The official trailer was released on February 12, 2025.

“I like the casting, I know Mason Thames from ‘The Black Phone,’” senior Alyssa Jackson said. “I know he was amazing during that, and I don’t know much about who’s playing Astrid, but I’m sure she’s going to be amazing.” 

Fans are excited to see how the directors will make the dragons look in the film. Since it is live-action, people are worried the CGI won’t look good, but others are thrilled to see what is in store. 

“I’m most excited to see how they change the graphics and try to make it look similar to the cartoon,” Jackson said. 

While many fans are excited to see the film, others are thinking of how it will live up to the original animated film. According to Cartoonbrew, Universal has stated they will be using “cutting-edge visual effects to bring to life the story of Hiccup and Toothless.”

“It’s a really high bar because the animated ones are so good, but I definitely think it could be a contender,” Rowan said.