The live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon has finally hit theaters, bringing the beloved animated story to life with real actors and stunning visuals. Starring Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nico Parker as Astrid, the film stays true to the original while adding new layers of realism. Fans are buzzing about the performances, filming locations, and the fresh take on a classic tale.
Directed by Dean DeBlois, who also helmed the animated trilogy, the movie follows Hiccup’s journey as he befriends Toothless, a rare Night Fury dragon. The film blends CGI with breathtaking real-world landscapes, shot in Northern Ireland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Los Angeles. The cast includes Gerard Butler, reprising his role as Stoick the Vast, alongside Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, and Gabriel Howell.
Cast and Performances
Mason Thames, known for The Black Phone, steps into Hiccup’s shoes with a mix of vulnerability and determination. He trained extensively to master the character’s physicality, including Hiccup’s signature limp. Thames even joked that the role still haunts him:
“When I go to sleep at night, in my dreams I still walk like Hiccup, he’s still there, he won’t leave me.”
Nico Parker plays Astrid, a fierce Viking warrior and Hiccup’s love interest. Her casting sparked some online debate since Astrid was blonde in the animated films. Parker responded with confidence:
“But for the people that just hate inclusivity, hate change—when it comes to that side of things, I just don’t care. If I wouldn’t value your opinion on most things in life, I can’t value your opinion on my hair. If I did, I would go mad.”
Her co-star Mason Thames defended her, calling her portrayal “perfect” and a highlight of the film.
Filming Locations
The movie was filmed across multiple stunning locations to recreate the fictional island of Berk:
- Northern Ireland: Key scenes were shot at Tollymore Forest Park, where Hiccup first meets Toothless. Other spots include Dunseverick Castle, Murlough Bay, and Giant’s Causeway, known for its dramatic coastal views.
- Iceland: The volcanic landscapes and black sand beaches were used for dragon-hunting sequences.
- Faroe Islands: The iconic first flight scene features the Drangarnir rock formation, adding realism to Hiccup and Toothless’s aerial adventures.
- Los Angeles: CGI-heavy scenes were completed in Hollywood studios.
Director Dean DeBlois praised Northern Ireland’s natural beauty, saying it perfectly matched Berk’s rugged setting.
Fan Reactions
Early reviews praise the film’s faithfulness to the original while adding new depth. Many fans were emotional seeing their childhood favorite adapted so carefully. One viewer wrote:
“This movie isn’t just a tribute—it’s a stunning, faithful revival of Berk’s magic for a new generation.”
Others highlighted the CGI dragons, calling Toothless “incredibly realistic.” The film’s score, composed by John Powell, also received praise for capturing the emotional highs of the story.
Behind the Scenes
To make the dragons feel real, the production used puppets and motion-capture technology. Actors interacted with physical dragon heads during flight scenes, helping them react naturally. The visual effects team at Framestore worked across studios in London, Melbourne, Montreal, and Mumbai to bring the creatures to life.
A sequel is already in the works, set for release in 2027. Mason Thames expressed excitement, calling the second animated film his favorite.
Also Read: How to Train Your Dragon: The Book Series Behind the Hit Movies; See Full Story
Credits: Image via Universal Pictures. Additional reporting from IMDb, Screen Rant, and Entertainment Weekly.
