The First Reactions to the Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon Are Here

The crowds at CinemaCon in Las Vegas were treated to an early screening of Universal Pictures’ How to Train Your Dragon, and the resounding reaction from those in attendance is excitedly positive.

The feature from writer-director Dean DeBlois is a live-action adaptation of the DreamWorks animated films that DeBlois also oversaw. Mason Thames (The Black Phone) and Nico Parker (The Last of Us) star as Hiccup and Astrid alongside Gerard Butler, who reprises the role of Hiccup’s father, Stoick the Vast, from the original films.

The CinemaCon screening previewed the film before its June theatrical debut for film industry professionals, invited media, and content creators. io9’s Germain Lussier was in attendance and we’ll kick things off with his thoughts:

The live-action #HowToTrainYourDragon captures the magic of the original in almost every way. All the big moments are there, all the heart and excitement too. Wonderful performances all around. My only gripe is the new stuff, while good and subtle, never elevates things enough. pic.twitter.com/4ReJ9WQYE2

— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) April 2, 2025

And more:

#HowToTrainYourDragon is excellent!! It is by far one of the best live-action adaptations, but I still prefer the animated film. The casting is perfect, and the emotion is palpable. Thanks to its acting and character dynamics, I was emotionally engrossed, and I did fall in love… pic.twitter.com/wGvFPjhMj7

— Rosa Parra (@rosasreviews) April 2, 2025

#HowToTrainYourDragon was, simply, incredible. The flight scenes were awe-inspiring, that action was dynamic/riveting, and it retains all the heart and humor along the way. Wasn’t exactly sold on this live-action remake before, but I’m blown away. #CinemaCon https://t.co/78sN7t6FFT pic.twitter.com/85r1mW4rA0

— Jordan Maison @CinemaCon (@JordanMaison) April 2, 2025

#HowToTrainYourDragon is the best live-action adaptation film I’ve seen. Big fan of the original, and it was everything that I wanted to see- the score, the acting, and the VFX were PERFECT.

Cried a few times. I’ve never loved a CGI creature more than Toothless. #CinemaCon pic.twitter.com/X8IgYvfoEu

— Dorian Parks (@DorianParksnRec) April 2, 2025

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How to Train Your Dragon does live action remakes of animated classics right. Dean DeBlois nigh perfectly adapted the original. It’s like watching a classic in a whole new experience. It exceeded all my expectations! #HowToTrainYourDragon #CinemaCon #CinemaCon2025 pic.twitter.com/XFIvowCyux

— Jeffrey Harris (@Wheeljack83) April 2, 2025

Took the family to see a screening of the live action #HowToTrainYourDragon movie, coming out this June, they LOVED it, here with director @DeanDeBlois and Christian and Glen from Framestore #❤️