Marking Dreamworks’ first live-action-adaptation, How to Train Your Dragon—a beloved franchise by many, hit the big screens in the Philippines on June 12. It follows the story of Hiccup, the scrawny son of the village’s viking chief on the island of Berk, looking to fill the shoes as a “dragon slayer” that his father has expected of him. Little did he know that this would lead to one unexpected friendship that would change the village forever.
Mason Thames plays the role of Hiccup on the big screen, faithfully portraying the awkward yet loveable character throughout the two-hour and five-minute runtime of the film. Alongside him is Gerald Butler, who returns playing his animated counterpart Stoick the Vast, Berk’s formidable and big-hearted chief, whose stern exterior hides a deep love for his son and his people.
Though the plot mirrors the 2010 animated version, the live-action remake breathes new life into its visuals and emotional beats. With sweeping landscapes, practical effects, and a grounded tone, the adaptation pays tribute to its roots while offering something new for longtime fans and first-time viewers alike.
This is Berk
From the get-go, Berk feels lived-in—from the rugged cliffs, misty skies, and weathered wooden homes paint a vivid picture of a village hardened by generations of dragon-fighting. The production design leans into realism, grounding the fantastical elements of the story without stripping away its wonder.
Joining Hiccup on Berk are Astrid (Nico Parker), whose quiet strength and sharp focus bring balance to the group; Fishlegs (Julian Dennison), the enthusiastic dragon encyclopedia; the chaotic twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut (Iris Apatow and Archie Yates); and the boastful Snotlout (Jacob Moran), each adding their own energy to Berk’s rugged charm.
Complementing the film’s sweeping visuals is a beautifully reimagined score that elevates each scene. Composer John Powell, who scored the original trilogy, returns with a refreshed orchestration. The soaring melodies highlight moments of wonder, fear, and connection, especially in scenes shared between Hiccup and Toothless, making the bond between the human and dragon all the more affecting. Whether it’s the pounding drums of a flight sequence or the soft strings of a heartfelt goodbye, the soundtrack acts as the film’s emotional compass, guiding the audience through every high and low.
The dragons are visual standouts, with Toothless remaining the heart of the film. His expressive eyes, fluid movement, and cautious curiosity are captured with remarkable detail, making his bond with Hiccup feel just as genuine in live-action as it did in animation. Director Dean DeBlois returns to steer the adaptation with confidence, focusing not on spectacle, but on heart. Rather than reinventing the story, the film embraces what made the original so beloved—its sincerity, its relationships, and the quiet bravery of a boy who dared to be different.
Further beyond
In an interview with TheWrap, DeBlois mentioned that he’s already writing the screenplay for How to Train Your Dragon 2 in its live-action form, aiming to expand the world and deepen character arcs, while also addressing elements he felt were rushed in the animated sequel. “Anywhere where we could go a little deeper into the characters or fix regrets I’ve lived with—I’m open to that,” DeBlois said.
Universal has formally announced that the sequel is scheduled for release on June 11, 2027, solidifying that this is just the beginning of a bold new chapter in the How to Train Your Dragon saga.
With the franchise's legacy rooted into the hearts of its fellow dragon riders, its return in live-action form has sparked anticipation among longtime fans and new viewers alike, promising a follow-up that not only honors the spirit of the original but brings renewed depth and cinematic scale to the story that first captured audiences over a decade ago.
Whether you were captivated by the original or are new to the franchise, fly out to your local theater and catch How to Train Your Dragon.
