The ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Live-Action Movie Is Doing One Thing Right

The teaser trailer for the much-anticipated How to Train Your Dragon live-action remake was released on November 20, 2024. The original DreamWorks animated trilogy, which released its first film in 2010, has a loyal and ardent following. Given this, although there was considerable excitement for the live-action remake, fans were also apprehensive. With three films as good as the animated films were, could a live-action remake compare?

However, the teaser trailer released for the live-action has worked to alleviate some of the doubts fans have harbored by establishing that the film is doing at least one thing right. Toothless is undoubtedly a crucial aspect of the narrative and one important element that the live-action had to get perfect if it were to even think of achieving the levels of success that the animated films did. If the trailer is anything to go by, it appears that the live-action is traveling the correct path.

The Live-Action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Is a Shot-for-Shot Remake

The How to Train Your Dragon live-action action never purported itself to be a sequel or prequel to the original films. Instead, it was always meant to be a remake. The recently released trailer has established that the live-action has, in fact, stuck to this objective, with the upcoming film seeming to be more or less a shot-to-shot remake of the original.

Most fans are relieved that the live-action film does not appear to be changing a much-loved and adored storyline. The adventures of Hiccup and Toothless, the young Viking trying to find himself, and the powerful yet endearing dragon have kept fans engrossed for the longest time. A narrative that begins as a story of defiance, where Hiccup goes against every belief instilled in him from both, ends on a wholesome note, providing a heartfelt story. Seeing this storyline come to life as a live-action film would only be a treat for fans yearning for another glimpse, from a somewhat different perspective, into the Viking village of Berk, its people and dragons. With the trailer introducing a cast that seems to fit perfectly with the characters of the animated works, excitement for the live-action has only grown.

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However, reactions to the film have been mixed. Some audiences are not too keen on the idea of revisiting a storyline that they are already familiar with and love. Many have questioned the point of a shot-to-shot remake. Despite concerns, a single teaser trailer may not be enough to write off an entire film. While the limited clips included in the teaser may appear to be an exact replica of the original films, this may have been done to offer fans a sense of familiarity. It is highly likely that the final live-action adds its own flair to the How to Train Your Dragon narrative.

The Design of Toothless Is Perfect in ‘How to Train Your Dragon’

Whether the live-action could stay faithful to the animated film’s depiction of Toothless was admittedly a pressing concern for fans. The dragon in the original films strikes the proper balance between scary and endearing. Although powerful and majestic, Toothless has a wit and charm that shines through in the animated trilogy. Whether the live-action could capture this appearance accurately was a point of contention.

However, the teaser trailer has now confirmed that the live-action has undoubtedly perfected the design of Toothless. The dragon appears to be intense and larger-than-life, keeping with Toothless’ never-before-seen, extremely dangerous persona at the beginning of the film. However, the live-action has managed to retain Toothless’ charm despite shifting away from the animated work. The colors remain accurate and the expressive facial expressions of the dragon perfectly mirror its animated counterpart.

The realism that the film has provided for Toothless is sure to make the live-action feel different from its original trilogy despite sharing the same storyline. With audiences walking into the movie expecting it to be somewhat more adult-oriented than the animation while still staying faithful to the original films, Toothless’ design will offer a welcome difference while remaining familiar.

What Do Fans Think of the Live-Action Toothless in ‘How to Train Your Dragon?’

The reactions to the live-action Toothless have been primarily positive. Fans have been impressed with the level of attention afforded to capturing the essence of the animation’s Toothless. With the dragon being a foundational aspect of the film, any error in its design would have spelled disaster for the upcoming remake. Fans themselves have touched on the importance of Toothless’ character, especially mentioning the impact of his facial expressions on the overall effect of the film. Taking to DreamWorks Animation’s announcement on X, a fan wrote, “Absolutely incredible!!! 😍💖 Toothless just looks amazing 😭💖,” expressing their excitement over Toothless’ design.

Fans have also appreciated Dean DeBlois’s return as director for the live-action, crediting the exceptional execution of Toothless’ design to the director. DeBlois helmed the original How to Train Your Dragon films and brings his wealth of expertise to the remake. The original director’s involvement in the upcoming project acts as somewhat of a guarantee that audiences will be given work that they grow to love and cherish, similar to the animations.

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The live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon was first announced in February 2023. Since then, fans have either been over the moon, nodding their heads in vehement opposition, or simply on the fence. A considerable amount of viewer anticipation stemmed from why a live-action remake of a film as beloved as How to Train Your Dragon was needed and how faithful the new movie would be to the original source.

Amidst these concerns, one of the most burning questions revolved around the portrayal of Toothless. After all, a dragon in the style of Game of Thrones would not have suited the Viking village of Berk. However, the teaser trailer has now established that the live-action remake is doing one thing right: portraying Toothless. With one of the core aspects of the film already perfected, it appears as though the live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon is venturing down the correct path. The live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon is scheduled for release on June 13, 2025.