How To Train Your Dragon

 ©Universal Pictures. All rights reserved.

Why is everybody talking about the new live action How To Train Your Dragon?

We all remember the original How to Train Your Dragon. The beloved 2010 animated adventure that introduced us to the unlikely bond between a young Viking named Hiccup and a rare Night Fury dragon named Toothless.

With breathtaking animation and a heartfelt story, it became an instant classic for a generation. Now, it’s time for a new chapter — as the saga takes flight once again in a bold live-action reimagining, landing at Omniplex on Fri 13 June, 2025.

This fresh adaptation stays true to the spirit of the original, while bringing a stunning new level of realism to Berk and its dragon-filled skies. Mason Thames (The Black Phone) stars as Hiccup, with Nico Parker (The Last of Us) as Astrid, reintroducing the fierce friendship and growing romance at the heart of the story.

With state-of-the-art effects and an epic scale, this reimagined tale promises to thrill longtime fans and welcome a whole new audience to the world of dragons, friendship, and courage. Whether you're revisiting Berk or discovering it for the first time, this is one cinematic flight you won’t want to miss here at Omniplex!

©Universal Pictures. All rights reserved.

Plot of How to Train Your Dragon – Is it true to the original?

Just like in the 2010 animated classic, the story follows Hiccup, a misfit Viking teenager living on the island of Berk, where fighting dragons is a way of life. When he injures a mysterious and powerful Night Fury, Hiccup makes a surprising choice — instead of killing the creature, he befriends it. Naming him Toothless, Hiccup discovers that everything his tribe believed about dragons may be wrong.

The new live-action adaptation stays faithful to the heart of the original — the unlikely friendship between boy and dragon — while adding richer textures to the world of Berk. The iconic dragon-riding sequences and heartfelt character arcs are still present but expect new depth and detail in how the story unfolds. As Hiccup challenges tradition and finds his own path, the film explores themes of empathy, identity, and leadership with a modern edge.

Director Chris DeBlois (Director of the original), returning from the animated trilogy, brings a more grounded, emotionally resonant approach while still delivering the spectacle fans expect. With cutting-edge visual effects, lifelike dragons, and a cast led by Mason Thames and Nico Parker, the film promises to soar beyond nostalgia.

While the live-action How to Train Your Dragon remains loyal to its beloved source, it also reimagines key moments and characters for a new generation. It’s an epic, heartfelt adventure that honours the original — while carving out a bold new legacy of its own.

©Universal Pictures. All rights reserved.

Cast of How to Train Your Dragon – Who is playing Hiccup?

You’ve seen Mason Thames break out in The Black Phone, capturing audiences with his emotional range and quiet strength. Now, the rising star takes on his biggest role yet as Hiccup — the clever, kind-hearted Viking who changes the future of Berk by befriending a dragon. With a mix of vulnerability and courage, Thames looks set to bring new life to the fan-favourite character.

Starring alongside him is Nico Parker (The Last of Us, Dumbo), playing the fearless and fiercely loyal Astrid. Known for her commanding screen presence, Parker brings both heart and grit to the warrior-in-training and Hiccup’s eventual closest ally.

The cast also includes Gerard Butler returning as Stoick the Vast, Hiccup’s imposing yet loving father — a familiar face reprising his voice role in a live-action capacity.

With a talented cast and the original director Dean DeBlois back at the helm, the 2025 live-action How to Train Your Dragon is shaping up to be a soaring adventure with all the heart, humor, and heroism that made the original a modern classic. Catch it in cinemas when it lands next summer!

©Universal Pictures. All rights reserved.

Is How To Train Your Dragon Filmed in Ireland?

The upcoming How to Train Your Dragon film has fans excited not only for its story and star-studded cast but also for its stunning filming locations.

Many are asking: Is How to Train Your Dragon filmed in Ireland? The answer is yes, with the movie taking advantage of some of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful and dramatic sites.

Key locations include Dunseverick Castle, Murlough Bay, and Tollymore Forest. Dunseverick Castle, perched on rugged cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, offers a breathtaking setting that fits perfectly with the film’s fantasy world.

Murlough Bay’s striking coastline provides sweeping views and epic scenery, while Tollymore Forest adds a magical, mystical atmosphere with its dense, ancient woodland.

Northern Ireland has become a favoured destination for filmmakers due to its diverse landscapes, experienced crews, and film-friendly policies. Productions like Game of Thrones have previously highlighted the region’s cinematic potential, and How to Train Your Dragon continues this trend by showcasing real-world locations that add authenticity and depth to the fantasy genre.

For fans and travellers alike, the film offers a new reason to explore Northern Ireland’s majestic castles, forests, and coastlines once the movie is released, available on the big screen at OMNIPLEX from June 13^th.

©Universal Pictures. All rights reserved.

Why is the new How to Train Your Dragon movie live-action and not animated?

DreamWorks is bringing How to Train Your Dragon to life in a live-action remake, following the trend of beloved animated films being reimagined for modern audiences. The original trilogy set a high standard with stunning animation and emotional storytelling, making this a big challenge.

Turning the story into live-action offers new creative possibilities—allowing deeper character exploration, realistic settings, and cutting-edge visuals to bring dragons and Viking worlds to life. It also lets the filmmakers update the story to better reflect today’s audience while staying true to the original’s spirit.

As with any classic remake, fans have mixed reactions, but the studio aims to balance honouring the original films with a fresh, exciting take for the big screen.

©Universal Pictures. All rights reserved.

How to Train Your Dragon release date and why watch it at OMNIPLEX?

How to Train Your Dragon flies into OMNIPLEX on June 13th! Catch it on our MAXX Screen, our giant-sized cinema screen to experience every dragon roar and every epic flight as intended! Ready to soar into this thrilling new adventure with maximum excitement? Grab your ticket and head to OMNIPLEX for a movie experience that’s truly sky-high!