Anna Daniels
“You possess something we don’t…”
It seems you have the audacity to reinterpret a flawless animated classic in a time fixated on live-action remakes.
The latest IMAX trailer for How to Train Your Dragon (2025) has just launched, generating buzz in the summer movie arena—not because it’s groundbreaking, but because it sticks closely to the original.
The visuals are undeniably captivating. From the expansive views of Berk to the dynamic aerial dance of dragons, the film showcases its “Filmed for IMAX” credentials. Returning director Dean DeBlois ensures that every scene appears meticulously crafted. Mason Thames embodies Hiccup with a blend of youthful uncertainty and rebellious spirit, while Toothless retains his endearing charm that resonated with audiences back in 2010.
Nevertheless, there’s a disquieting reality: recreating scenes shot-for-shot feels repetitive. This version is beginning to resemble a mere duplicate rather than an innovative adventure.
What’s Lacking? Boldness.
There’s a specific moment in the trailer—Hiccup reaching for Toothless—identical to a scene from the original film. The music builds, designed to stir emotions. But we’ve experienced this moment before, in 2010, in high-quality formats. What was once a poignant connection is now a repeated marketing gimmick.
Similar to Disney’s The Lion King (2019), which earned over $1.6 billion despite critical feedback, this remake risks diluting emotional engagement by adhering too closely to its source material. Just as that film’s attempt at lifelike visuals fell flat compared to animated charm, Thames’ portrayal of Hiccup must navigate the daunting legacy of Jay Baruchel’s iconic performance.
The Trend: Nostalgia as Revenue Strategy
The trend of live-action adaptations follows a predictable pattern: beloved intellectual property + advanced technology + low-risk storytelling = significant box office returns. Films like Beauty and the Beast (2017), Aladdin (2019), and The Little Mermaid (2023) all achieved financial success, despite mixed reviews. This formula is lucrative but lacks creativity.
However, How to Train Your Dragon stands apart from Disney. Dean DeBlois is committed to delivering quality. Early reviews from CinemaCon praised its emotional richness and IMAX grandeur. This trailer seeks not just to remind us of the original but to rekindle it, elevating expectations and pressure for the film’s success.
Will It Soar or Sink?
If the live-action HTTYD succeeds, it will be because it harnesses nostalgia as a framework, not a crutch. The bond between Thames and Toothless has to feel fresh. Astrid (played by The Last of Us‘s Nico Parker) should offer depth beyond a mere romance. The storytelling must thrive on its own merits—ideally without reusing every significant plot element from the animated original.
Should it falter? Even dragons can’t salvage a film that struggles to take flight independently.
Final Reflection
Your response will likely be polarized. If you cherished the animated trilogy, this could be the nostalgic escape you seek. Conversely, if you yearn for something entirely original—a new journey—you may leave feeling unfulfilled.
Header Image Suggestion:
A side-by-side comparison of Hiccup reaching out to Toothless from 2010’s animation versus the 2025 live-action adaptation, highlighting visual similarities and emotional distinctions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWEq2Pf8qpk[/embed>
