Initial Reactions to the Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon
The newly anticipated 2025 live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon is beginning to generate buzz. The film tells the story of Hiccup, a young Viking portrayed by Mason Thames, who forms a bond with a wounded dragon while working to help his island community overcome its fear of these majestic creatures. This remake brings to life the beloved DreamWorks animated film that first captured audiences’ hearts and is based on the children’s book series by Cressida Cowell. Directed by Dean DeBlois, who co-directed the original, the film also features an impressive cast, including Julian Dennison, Nico Parker, and the returning Gerard Butler.
Response from CinemaCon
A recent screening of How to Train Your Dragon at CinemaCon in Las Vegas has prompted a wave of reactions across social media platforms. Here is a selection of the insights shared:
How To Train Your Dragon (2025) has all the charm of the original enhanced into something I never thought it could accomplish. The cast is incredible & the dragons adorable. I lost count of how many times I cried. This is something truly fantastic. #HTTYD #HowToTrainYourDragon pic.twitter.com/lAs331wT6Q — Tessa Smith – Mama’s Geeky (@MamasGeeky) April 2, 2025
Tessa Smith expressed her admiration, highlighting that the film “has all the charm of the original,”while especially praising the performances and the design of Toothless.
How to Train Your Dragon is spectacular. A visually stunning and emotionally engaging retelling of the animated classic. Director Dean DeBlois recreates the magic of the original with lots of action, humor, and heart. Mason Thames as Hiccup is the definition of perfect casting… pic.twitter.com/6Z9wvtbVKH — Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) April 2, 2025
Scott Menzel characterized the movie as “spectacular,”applauding DeBlois for recapturing the magic of the original film.
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
Jeffrey Harris praised the film for its success in adapting the animated classic, stating that it exceeded all expectations.
How to Train Your Dragon might be one of the most faithful animation to live-action adaptations I’ve seen. Spot on cast with a great balance in dragon designs that don’t take you out of the movie. The score is amazing. You won’t want to miss this! I want a Dragon! #CinemaCon pic.twitter.com/VCjFmfNWnm — Emmanuel Gomez (@MannyGomezMedia) April 2, 2025
Emmanuel Gomez labeled the adaptation as highly faithful, commending the cast and the design of Toothless.
As someone who hadn’t seen the animated HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, let me tell you I just CRIED MY EYES OUT at how beautiful and amazing this live-action one is! The cinematography and score mesh together so well. So glad Gerard Butler came back to reprise his role! So much emotion… pic.twitter.com/eSBr1bAamn — chalice✨ (@HeyChalice) April 2, 2025
Chalice, who has yet to watch the animated version, expressed emotional impact, calling the live-action rendition “beautiful and amazing,”especially praising its cinematography and musical score.
In ‘HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON,’ Dean DeBlois once again proves his brilliance, seamlessly bringing his animated masterpiece to live-action while preserving its heart and spectacle. The cast delivers captivating performances, making Berk and its characters feel more alive than… pic.twitter.com/w7L4Noau6F — The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) April 2, 2025
The Hollywood Handle offered high praise for DeBlois, noting his talent in adapting the animated classic while maintaining the story’s essence and emotional depth.
Just watched the live-action HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON. Such a fun, heartfelt, epic adventure. The rare animated to live-action remake that truly justifies its existence. All of the emotions from the animated film carry over. The visual effects, especially those to bring… pic.twitter.com/4hfeh8zYPu — The HoloFiles – Movies & TV News & Reviews (@theholofiles) April 2, 2025
The HoloFiles claimed the film as a standout live-action remake that justifies its adaptation from animation.
Stay Tuned for More Updates
Additional reactions and insights will continue to unfold as the release date approaches. Stay with us for further details!
Source: Various (see above)