MORE than a decade after it first soared into theaters, the much-loved animated fantasy film will return to the big screen—this time, as a live-action adaptation.
Universal Pictures dropped the official teaser trailer of the live-action version of “How To Train Your Dragon,” featuring Gen Z actor Mason Thames giving life to the character of the protagonist named Hiccup.
The one-minute and 15-second clip opened with Hiccup being reminded by his dad, Chief Stoick the Vast (portrayed by Gerard Butler), about his role as a Viking, including becoming a dragon slayer.
“When you carry this axe, you carry all of us with you,” Chief Stoick the Vast said. Hiccup, however, becomes reluctant and says, “Dad, I can’t kill dragons.”
Hiccup then encounters an injured dragon—a rare Night Furry, to be exact—which he tries to kill but ends up befriending.
“It’s okay. I won’t hurt you,” he said, and the Night Furry leans into his hand.
Based on Cressida Cowell’s 2003 novel of the same name, “How To Train Your Dragon” narrates how the unlikely friendship formed between Hiccup and a Night Furry, which he named Toothless because of its retractable teeth, brings peace to the longstanding conflict between Vikings and dragons.
As the son of the chieftain of Berk, Hiccup is expected to go up against dragons who often attack their village called Berk. However, he is deemed too weak to fight them but good at creating mechanical devices, a skill he used to help Toothless.
Directed by Dean DeBlois, the live-action adaptation of “How To Train Your Dragon” will premiere in cinemas on June 13.
Before this, “How To Train Your Dragon” produced several media franchises, including animated films and television series. The first movie was released in 2010, featuring the voices of Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Craig Ferguson, and Butler.
An ‘incredible honor’
Thames, known for his lead role in the horror film “The Black Phone,” expressed his excitement for the forthcoming live-action version of “How To Train Your Dragon,” as he shared its teaser trailer on his Instagram story.
“Thank you Dean for this incredible honor,” said the 17-year-old star, referring to the movie director.
Like Thames, many netizens were so stoked for the live-action film, with some praising Toothless’ visuals. Others even described it as a “faithful adaptation” of the animated film series.
“If the trailer is tHIS GOOD then how good is the movie gonna be??” a netizen commented.
