Release Date and Production Timeline
The live action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon is being developed by Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation. The project is led by director Dean DeBlois, who directed the original animated trilogy. Filming for the live action version is scheduled to begin in 2025, with a theatrical release planned for 2026. The studio has confirmed that the film will be shot using advanced virtual production techniques similar to those used in recent major franchise films Forbes.
Universal has set the release date for June 13, 2026, positioning the film as a major summer tentpole. The production budget is reported to be in the range of 150 million dollars, aligning with other large scale live action adaptations from the studio. The movie will be rated PG for fantasy action and mild language, matching the tone of the original animated films Forbes.
Cast and Character Details
The film will feature a new generation of actors portraying the Viking teens and dragons. Mason Thames has been cast as Hiccup, the young protagonist who befriends a dragon. The role of Astrid, Hiccup's close friend and fellow dragon rider, has not yet been officially announced by the studio as of the latest reporting Deadline.
New Additions: The Twin Dragons
A key new element in the live action version is the introduction of twin dragons bonded to the main characters. The story expands on the original plot by adding twin baby dragons that hatch during the film, creating a new dynamic for the young riders to manage. The twins are depicted as smaller, faster, and more unpredictable than the adult dragons, requiring new training methods from the Viking teens Screen Daily.
Plot and Story Adaptations
The live action film follows the core story of Hiccup and his friends on the island of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have an uneasy truce. The plot centers on the discovery of the twin dragons, which forces the community to rethink its relationship with the creatures. The narrative explores themes of trust, responsibility, and the bond between humans and dragons, staying true to the original animated trilogy Universal Pictures.
The screenplay is written by Dean DeBlois, who also wrote the original animated films. The story includes new sequences set in unexplored regions of the Viking world, introducing new dragon species and expanded training sequences. The film aims to balance faithful adaptation of the original story with new elements designed to appeal to both fans of the animated series and new audiences Universal Pictures.