Dean DeBlois, who helmed the 2010 animated movie, How To Train Your Dragon, reveals why he took the role of directing DreamWorks’ 2025 live-action remake. The new movie, arriving in theaters on June 13, also features a returning cast in addition to many new faces, including Mason Thames as Hiccup, Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson, and Nick Frost as Gobber, among others. Gerard Butler, who voiced Stoik the Vast in every other entry in the franchise, is reprising his iconic role. In an interview with ScreenRant’s Ash Crossan, DeBlois sheds some light on why he pursued the live-action remake of the 2010 animated movie. The director revealed that it was “a relief” learning that longtime fans have had a positive viewing experience, sharing that he took the project because he wanted to safeguard the remake. Read his comment below:
A relief for sure, because I knew that people were going to be very protective of the movies that they loved and they didn’t want to see them messed with, and so there was a danger of just disappointing people with yet another soulless remake. And from the very beginning I said, if you’re really thinking about doing this, please let me do it because I share that sentiment. I’m not a fan of live-action remakes of animated movies in general because I feel like they’re usually disappointing versions of those movies that I love, and so this allowed me to put my convictions to the test. Can we keep everything about the story that people have come to love and bring embellishments in terms of the deeper mythology, richer character interactions, more immersive action?

What This Means For How To Train Your Dragon 2025 Remake

How To Train Your Dragon Remake Enriches The Original

The early reactions following the screening at CinemaCon have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the movie as one of the best remakes they have ever seen. DeBlois’s statement highlights that the How to Train Your Dragon remake was made with great care and respect for the original animated movie. Sharing the same enthusiasm that long-time fans have for the franchise not only offered the director a better insight into expectations but also great depth into the material.

Related

How To Train Your Dragon Remake May Nearly Double The Franchise’s Opening Box Office Record

Early box office projections for How To Train Your Dragon’s live-action remake are in, and they put the movie on track to set a new franchise record.

Based on DeBlois’ comment, it seems that the upcoming remake also aims to enrich the viewing experience. In addition to making sure that the remake wouldn’t lose its initial spark, the director also revealed that the 2025 remake offers many upgrades, including “deeper mythology, richer character interactions, more immersive action.” The director previously made these comments in defense of the adaptation, replicating major beats from the original animation, especially since it faced earlier criticism from netizens.
Our Take On 2025’s How to Train Your Dragon

How To Train Your Dragon Is A Must-Watch

From How to Train Your Dragon remake’s casting to the crafting of the fantasy world, a great level of care has gone into recreating DreamWorks’ title about a young boy’s bond with a dragon. Many early reactions have echoed the director’s statement about the movie being an impressive entry that enriches a world they’re familiar with in ways they couldn’t imagine. It sounds like How to Train Your Dragon won’t disappoint both new and existing fans. Based on everything I’ve heard so far, DeBlois’ remake of his 2010 animated movie is a must-watch this summer. As teased in How to Train Your Dragon’s official trailer, audiences can expect a lot of heart, humor, and action. It also sounds like the PG-rated movie could end up being an even bigger hit than Disney’s Lilo & Stitch.

How to Train Your Dragon

Release Date

June 13, 2025

Runtime

116 Minutes

Director

Dean DeBlois

Writers

Dean DeBlois

Mason Thames

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III

Gerard Butler

Stoick the Vast

Nick Frost

Gobber the Belch