The crowds at CinemaCon in Las Vegas were treated to an early screening of Universal Pictures’ How to Train Your Dragon, and the resounding reaction from those in attendance is excitedly positive.
The feature from writer-director Dean DeBlois is a live-action adaptation of the DreamWorks animated films that DeBlois also oversaw. Mason Thames (The Black Phone) and Nico Parker (The Last of Us) star as Hiccup and Astrid alongside Gerard Butler, who reprises the role of Hiccup’s father, Stoick the Vast, from the original films.
The CinemaCon screening previewed the film before its June theatrical debut for film industry professionals, invited media, and content creators. io9’s Germain Lussier was in attendance and we’ll kick things off with his thoughts:
The live-action #HowToTrainYourDragon captures the magic of the original in almost every way. All the big moments are there, all the heart and excitement too. Wonderful performances all around. My only gripe is the new stuff, while good and subtle, never elevates things enough. pic.twitter.com/4ReJ9WQYE2
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) April 2, 2025
And more:
How to Train Your Dragon does live action remakes of animated classics right. Dean DeBlois nigh perfectly adapted the original. It’s like watching a classic in a whole new experience. It exceeded all my expectations! #HowToTrainYourDragon #CinemaCon #CinemaCon2025 pic.twitter.com/XFIvowCyux
— Jeffrey Harris (@Wheeljack83) April 2, 2025
Took the family to see a screening of the live action #HowToTrainYourDragon movie, coming out this June, they LOVED it, here with director @DeanDeBlois and Christian and Glen from Framestore #❤️🐉 #ToothlessForever #dragonsareREAL pic.twitter.com/tNiUQVMMGX
— Cressida Cowell (@CressidaCowell) March 28, 2025
How to Train Your Dragon won’t overcome those who are staunchly against remaking animation as live-action, but ultimately, it’s a great story once more very well told. It didn’t reinvent anything yet unlike, say, Lion King 2019, it still has heart and I still cried. https://t.co/9ceL3wGSlz
— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) April 2, 2025
Just saw the live-action How to Train Your Dragon and—wow.
An incredible experience that wears its heart on its sleeve. The care and love poured into adapting this beloved franchise is undeniable, and it shows in every frame. pic.twitter.com/j8leQ5QSRF— Benjamin Watts (@BennyWatts) April 2, 2025
How to Train Your Dragon opens June 13.
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