TheHow to Train Your Dragonfranchise has touched the hearts of audiences with its original trilogy of films under the guidance ofDean DeBlois, and now, the live-action remake willlook to do the same all over againwith the same creative at the helm. A new sneak peek at the hotly-anticipated return of Hiccup and Toothless walks with DeBlois through the recreation of the Isles of Berk and the thrilling adventure within it. With footage of the film as a backdrop, it also sees the director exploring why he wanted to return for the remake and his mindset behind what these films mean to everyone who sees them.Mason ThamesandNico Parkeralso get the spotlight in the video, as they face the daunting task of bringing Hiccup and Astrid to life as never seen before.
For DeBlois, the choice to directHow to Train Your Dragonin live-action was an easy one as it gave him an opportunity tohelm a live-action filmwhile returning to a world that he missed. The third and final film hit theaters in 2019 and, since then, he’s missed the days ofdrawing out scenes in the Isles of Berkand creating a spectacle for all ages. His goal is to recapture the magic with the remake and once again deliver the “wish-fulfilling” tale of a boy befriending a dragon and finding his voice in a world that merely sees the creatures as beasts to be slaughtered. FromToothless towering next to Thamesto the dragons' fiery breath and the idyllic, imposing landscape of the isles, there at least appears to be no shortage of visual splendor to DeBlois’s revisit of his beloved franchise.
Some of the writer-director’s highest praise was saved for Thames and Parker, whom he says stood out among all the rest in terms of capturing the personalities of Hiccup and Astrid. Known for performances inThe Black PhoneandThe Last of Usrespectively, the young stars have already proven themselves as standout talents, though they’ll have some high-profile company too. Deblois is especially excited forGerard Butlerto leap out of the animated filmand reprise his role as Hiccup’s father Stoic the Vast, bringing high energy to a part that he helped co-create. Also set to join them areNick Frost,Julian Dennison,Ruth Codd,Harry Trevaldwyn, andBronwyn James, among others.
DeBlois’s Return Helps Maintain Continuity With the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Remake
Though DeBlois is also known for co-writing and co-directingLilo & Stitch, theHow to Train Your Dragonseries is uniquely his under DreamWorks, making it all the better that he’s the one at the wheel once more. The cast seemed to appreciate having him as a director as well. Parker previously described how DeBlois made the productionsomething that everyone wanted to be a part of, helping her get over her nervousness at taking on such a beloved character. More recently,Frost spoke to Collider’sPerri Nemiroffand cited the director’s involvement as a key reason to believe in the film’s potential. He added:
“He’s just f*cking lovely. He’s funny, he’s clever, and he’s smart, and you’re just like, ‘Okay, he’s got it. Relax. Don’t worry about it. Just learn your lines and have fun.’ It’s so nice knowing that someone’s just got you. Also, he’d come along sometimes, and he’d be like, ‘You want a drink? You alright?’ You’d be like, ‘I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.’ He worries and he cares about everyone.”
TheHow to Train Your Dragonlive-action remake arrives in theaters on June 13. Check out the new sneak peek in the player above.
How to Train Your Dragon
