The live-action How to Train Your Dragon movie will premiere at CinemaCon this April, Universal Pictures and the National Association of Theater Owners announced Thursday. The screening is set for April 2 at Caesar’s Palace.
Directed and written by Dean DeBlois, who led the original animated trilogy for DreamWorks, the film follows a young Viking who forms an unlikely bond with a dragon despite their species being sworn enemies. Universal will release the movie exclusively in theaters on June 13.
’How to Train Your Dragon’ delivers the perfect blend of blockbuster action, breathtaking visuals and emotional storytelling that defines the ultimate theatrical experience, Dean DeBlois has created a stunning live-action reimagining of his film, which honors his beloved animated classic while soaring to spectacular new heights. We’re thrilled to share this film with our exhibition partners first, as they will be instrumental in bringing this extraordinary adventure to audiences worldwide this summer.
said Jim Orr, president of Domestic Theatrical Distribution at Universal Pictures.Advertisement
We are thrilled that Universal Pictures has chosen to showcase this summer blockbuster for the global exhibition community, This movie promises to be a hit with movie fans of all ages all around the world. Seeing it in your local theatre will be an amazing experience, and the global exhibition community is excited to help promote it in the days ahead.
CinemaCon managing director Mitch Neuhauser added
The live-action How to Train Your Dragon stars Mason Thames (The Black Phone) as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III and Nico Parker (Dumbo) as Astrid Hofferson, his love interest and fellow dragon-fighting trainee. The cast also includes Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2) as Hiccup’s best friend Fishlegs, Gabriel Howell (Nightsleeper) as his rival Snotlout, and Harry Trevaldwyn (The Bubble) and Bronwyn James (Wicked) as the twin troublemakers Tuffnut and Ruffnut. Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club) plays Phlegma, with Murray McArthur (The Rings of Power) as Hoark, Nick Cornwall (Sky Sharks) as Hürl, and Outer Banks stunt performer Samuel Johnson as Skaldor. Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy) joins in an undisclosed role, while Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) takes on the role of blacksmith Gobber the Belch.
In a thrilling return, Gerard Butler, who voiced Hiccup’s father Stoick the Vast in the animated films, will now portray him in live-action.
Dean DeBlois, the filmmaker behind the animated trilogy, writes and directs the adaptation, producing alongside Marc Platt through Marc Platt Productions, with Adam Siegel also on board. Universal Pictures’ VP of production, Lexi Barta, is overseeing the project.
“How to Train Your Dragon (2025)” will then fly into theaters on June 13.