The 2025 live-action film How to Train Your Dragon, featuring Gerard Butler, is now available for streaming on Netflix. This adaptation of the original 2010 animated movie brings a fresh take on the beloved story set in a Viking world where dragons and humans have long been enemies.
Live-Action Cast and Characters Bring Vikings to Life
How to Train Your Dragon stars Mason Thames as Hiccup, the inventive son of Chief Stoick the Vast, played by Gerard Butler, who reprises his role from the animated films as the voice of the character. Other key roles include Nico Parker as Astrid, Gabriel Howell as Snotlout, Julian Dennison as Fishlegs, Bronwyn James as Ruffnut, and Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut. The cast also features Peter Serafinowicz as Spitelout, Ruth Codd as Phlegma the Fierce, Naomi Wirthner as Gothi, and Nick Frost as Gobber the Belch.
The story unfolds on the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been enemies for generations. Hiccup, often overlooked by his tribe, breaks tradition by forming a close bond with Toothless, a formidable Night Fury dragon. Their friendship challenges long-held beliefs and reshapes the relationship between dragons and Vikings.
As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.
— Official Synopsis
Director and Production Details of the New Take
Dean DeBlois, who previously wrote and directed the original trilogy of animated films, serves again as writer and director for this live-action version. The movie is based on the book series by Cressida Cowell. Producers Marc Platt and Adam Siegel helped bring the film to life under Universal Pictures.
Box Office Success and Future Installments
Released in June 2025, the live-action How to Train Your Dragon earned more than $636 million globally on a $150 million budget. Universal Pictures has already approved a sequel, How to Train Your Dragon 2, with a planned release date of June 11, 2027. Filming for the follow-up is currently underway, promising to continue exploring the evolving world of Berk and its dragons.
