Convention - CinemaCon 2025 : First-Ever Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon Premiere Takes Flight

By Mulder, 27 february 2025

Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation are set to make history at CinemaCon 2025 with the worldwide debut of the highly anticipated live-action reimagining of How to Train Your Dragon. This cinematic event will take place on Wednesday, April 2, at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, more than two months ahead of its official theatrical release on June 13, 2025. The screening, hosted in collaboration with the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), will be a key highlight of the annual gathering of global exhibitors, celebrating the immersive experience of cinema.

The live-action adaptation, helmed by three-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker Dean DeBlois, who also directed the original animated trilogy, promises to bring the epic story of Hiccup and Toothless to life with breathtaking realism. The film stays true to the beloved narrative, with Hiccup, played by Mason Thames, forming an unlikely friendship with Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, and challenging the long-standing enmity between Vikings and dragons. With Nico Parker as Astrid and Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick the Vast, the film aims to recapture the emotional depth and thrilling adventure that made the animated series a global phenomenon.

CinemaCon Managing Director Mitch Neuhauser expressed enthusiasm for the film’s showcase, emphasizing its significance for the exhibition industry. "This movie promises to be a hit with audiences of all ages, and we are thrilled to provide the first glimpse of it to our global exhibition partners. Seeing it on the big screen will be an unforgettable experience, and we look forward to its journey to theaters worldwide."

The decision to debut How to Train Your Dragon at CinemaCon highlights the film's cinematic grandeur and Universal’s confidence in its ability to captivate moviegoers. Jim Orr, President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution at Universal Pictures, emphasized the film’s impact, stating, "Dean DeBlois has created a stunning live-action reimagining that honors the legacy of the original while soaring to new heights. We’re thrilled to share this extraordinary adventure with our exhibition partners first."

The film’s production was a monumental undertaking, blending practical effects with cutting-edge CGI to bring the world of Berk to life. Principal photography took place in Northern Ireland, with Bill Pope as the cinematographer, ensuring that every frame is visually spectacular. The film is designed for an immersive experience, featuring IMAX and RealD 3D formats, further enhancing the grandeur of the Viking world and its soaring dragons.

Music plays a crucial role in rekindling the magic of the franchise, and composer John Powell, whose original scores are beloved by fans, returns to provide a sweeping soundtrack that will enhance the film’s emotional and action-packed moments. This musical continuity ensures that the essence of the original trilogy is preserved while embracing the expanded scale of live-action storytelling.

The cast, which includes Nick Frost as the eccentric blacksmith Gobber, Julian Dennison as Fishlegs, and Gabriel Howell and Bronwyn James as the mischievous twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut, brings a fresh dynamic to the classic characters. Additionally, Ruth Codd joins the ensemble as Phlegma, contributing to the rich tapestry of Viking life depicted in the film.

The journey of How to Train Your Dragon from animation to live-action has been met with anticipation and curiosity. When the project was first announced in February 2023, fans speculated how the beloved animated characters and mythical creatures would translate to a more realistic format. The recently released teaser trailer has only fueled excitement, showcasing glimpses of Hiccup’s first encounter with Toothless, their breathtaking flight sequences, and the stunning recreation of Berk’s rugged landscapes.

Originally slated for release in March 2025, the film’s launch was postponed to June 13 due to industry-wide production delays. However, this extended timeline has allowed the filmmakers to perfect every aspect, ensuring that the transition from animation to live-action remains faithful to the heart of the story. By maintaining the core themes of friendship, courage, and unity, this reimagining aims to introduce the world of Berk to a new generation while delivering a nostalgic and visually spectacular experience for longtime fans.

CinemaCon 2025 is expected to draw thousands of industry professionals from across the world, making it the perfect stage for this monumental premiere. As one of the most anticipated films of the year, How to Train Your Dragon is poised to soar to new heights, reaffirming the timeless appeal of this epic tale. With its blend of cutting-edge effects, a stellar cast, and a beloved story, this live-action adaptation is set to redefine what is possible in fantasy filmmaking, ensuring that the legacy of Hiccup and Toothless continues for years to come.

Beyond its groundbreaking visuals, the live-action How to Train Your Dragon delves deeper into the emotional intricacies of its characters. Hiccup’s journey from an outcast to a leader is given even greater depth through Mason Thames’ performance, while the bond between Hiccup and Toothless is more tangible and heartfelt than ever before. By leveraging state-of-the-art visual effects, Toothless is rendered with stunning realism, allowing audiences to truly feel the dragon’s personality and connection to Hiccup.

In addition to its core cast, the film introduces new layers to supporting characters. Astrid, played by Nico Parker, is portrayed with greater complexity, emphasizing her fierce determination and evolving partnership with Hiccup. The tension between Hiccup and his father, Stoick, is also more pronounced, adding an emotional weight that enhances the story’s stakes.

Visually, the film is a masterpiece in world-building. The Viking village of Berk is recreated with meticulous detail, combining grand practical sets with seamless digital enhancements. Framestore, the renowned visual effects studio, has ensured that every dragon, from the smallest Terrible Terror to the mighty Monstrous Nightmare, looks lifelike and awe-inspiring.

The film’s release strategy also highlights Universal’s commitment to cinematic experiences. While streaming has transformed entertainment consumption, the studio has prioritized an exclusive theatrical window for How to Train Your Dragon, underscoring the belief that some stories are meant to be seen on the big screen. With its IMAX and RealD 3D release, audiences will be fully immersed in the breathtaking landscapes, exhilarating flight sequences, and emotionally charged moments that define this adaptation.

As the countdown to June 2025 begins, excitement continues to build. Fan events, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and promotional campaigns will further elevate anticipation, ensuring that How to Train Your Dragon remains a central topic of discussion in the months ahead.

With its perfect blend of nostalgia, innovation, and storytelling prowess, the live-action How to Train Your Dragon promises to be a landmark moment in fantasy filmmaking. As CinemaCon 2025 approaches, all eyes are on this reimagining, poised to reignite the magic of Berk and take audiences on an unforgettable adventure.

Synopsis :
The live-action Dragons in the World of Vikings film follows the adventures of young Hiccup, who befriends a wounded dragon, Toothless.

How to Train Your Dragon
Written and directed by Dean DeBlois
Based on How to Train Your Dragon by Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois, William Davies, How to Train Your Dragon, by Cressida Cowell
Produced by Dean DeBlois, Marc Platt, Adam Siegel
Starring Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd
Cinematography : Bill Pope
Music by John Powell
Production companies : DreamWorks Animation, Marc Platt Productions
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : June 13, 2025 (United States)