Cinemacon - CinemaCon 2025 : A Fiery Welcome to the Live-Action Era of How to Train Your Dragon

By Mulder, Las Vegas, Caesars Palace, 02 april 2025

CinemaCon 2025 erupted into life with the thunderous beating of dragon wings—at least metaphorically—as Universal Pictures unveiled the long-anticipated world premiere of the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon. Inside The Colosseum, the setting transformed into a fantasy-filled domain, overflowing with excitement, nostalgia, and cinematic grandeur. Fans, exhibitors, and press members were greeted by a spectacle that went far beyond a traditional studio presentation. With Toothless and his fire-breathing cohorts taking over the venue’s interior through immersive staging and dazzling visuals, it was immediately clear that Universal intended to make a definitive statement: their ambitious live-action take on one of DreamWorks Animation’s most beloved franchises is not just a reboot—it’s an event.

The day’s presentation began with a powerful sense of community and acknowledgment of the industry's unsung heroes in Behind the Screens: The Faces of Exhibition, where Nikki Shellenberger took to the stage to spotlight the crucial role theaters and their teams continue to play in the cinematic experience. This thematic opening flowed seamlessly into a star-studded and emotional reveal of the Dragon premiere, kicked off by Will McIntosh, CEO of Fandango, and Jim Orr, President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution at Universal Pictures. Orr’s presence underscored the studio’s full-throttle commitment to theatrical experiences, setting the tone for the unveiling of one of its crown jewels in 2025's film slate. Every element—from the promotional buildup to the carefully staged panel—was engineered to amplify the moment when the curtains finally parted for the very first audience to see the completed film.

Then came the surprise that lit the room on fire: an unannounced appearance by Dean DeBlois, the original writer and director of the animated trilogy, who now takes the helm for the live-action adaptation as well. Joined by Gerard Butler, who reprises a reimagined version of Stoick, and rising star Nico Parker, the panel instantly shifted from impressive to historic. Dean DeBlois, clearly moved, spoke about the surreal and emotional journey of adapting his own beloved work from animation into a tactile, live-action world. “It was a thrill and an honor,” he said, “to move from animation to live action.” The sincerity in his words reflected the high stakes and deep personal investment behind the project. DeBlois wasn’t simply rebooting a classic—he was revisiting a creation that had already defined a generation, and attempting to give it new wings.

Gerard Butler, ever charismatic, took a moment to honor the legacy of Stoick and his own unique journey with the character. Offering a heartfelt tribute to the voice actor—himself—he leaned into the humor of the moment while also highlighting the emotional heft the role has carried over the years. Meanwhile, Nico Parker lit up the room with her youthful enthusiasm and sly humor, joking, “If you ever get the chance to ride a dragon, I highly recommend it.” Her performance in the film, described by early viewers as “soulful and grounded,” appears set to breathe new life into the role of Astrid—or a close counterpart. The chemistry between the cast members was palpable on stage, and their enthusiasm radiated into the audience. Most strikingly, DeBlois reminded the attendees of the historic nature of the screening: “You are the first audience, anywhere, to see the film completed.” That kind of cinematic intimacy is rare, and the audience responded with roars of applause.

What makes this live-action venture particularly intriguing isn’t just its ambition but its timing. Coming at a moment when studios are selectively investing in franchise reimaginings and looking to theatrical-first strategies, Universal is taking a bold yet calculated leap. How to Train Your Dragon already boasts a fiercely loyal fanbase, critical acclaim, and a strong merchandising legacy. Translating that into a live-action spectacle could have felt like a cash grab in the wrong hands—but with DeBlois onboard and a clearly passionate cast, the result feels more like a heartfelt evolution. The premiere didn’t just showcase a film; it marked a cultural pivot for the franchise, leaning into timeless themes of family, bravery, and belonging while bringing them to a new visual scale.

CinemaCon 2025 succeeded not only in reminding the world why dragons—and movies about dragons—still matter, but also in proving that when handled with care, a beloved animated tale can be reborn with fresh relevance. Universal’s decision to go all-in for this world premiere, turning the Colosseum into a veritable Dragon’s Den, signals a year of bold risks and grand rewards. If the early response is any indication, audiences worldwide are about to fall in love with Toothless all over again—this time, in a world that feels just a bit closer to our own.

Synopsis : 
On the rugged island of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been sworn enemies for generations, Harold stands out. The inventive but neglected son of the chief Stoick the Vast, Harold defies centuries of tradition by befriending the dragon Toothless, a Night Fury. In doing so, he will turn the lives of the islanders upside down.

How to Train Your Dragon
Written and directed by Dean DeBlois
Based on How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
Produced by Marc Platt, Dean DeBlois, Adam Siegel
Starring  Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, Murray McArthur
Cinematography : Bill Pope
Edited by Wyatt Smith
Music by John Powell
Production companies : DreamWorks Animation, Marc Platt Productions
Distributed by Universal Pictures (United States), Universal Pictures International France (France)
Release dates : April 2, 2025 (CinemaCon), June 11,2025 (France), June 13, 2025 (United States)

For a limited time you can check the official photos in our Flickr page

Photos : Getty Images for Cinemacon (Colloseum, onstage)
Photos : Boris Colletier (Colloseum hobby)