Year after year, audiences remain divided on whether cinema should focus on reimagining beloved stories or creating entirely new ones. Regardless of the debate, it is clear that global viewers still favor the former. The “How to Train Your Dragon” live-action debut earned 11 million dollars in domestic previews and is now tracking for a 90 to 100 million dollar opening weekend, according to Discussing Film.
In this adaptation, Mason Thames plays Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the awkward but inventive son of Stoick the Vast. When an ancient threat looms over both Vikings and dragons on the isle of Berk, the unlikely bond between Hiccup and Toothless, a rare Night Fury, becomes the key to a future where both species might survive together.
The movie’s strong early performance has not gone unnoticed by Universal Pictures and DreamWorks, who had already been considering a sequel. With the live-action version off to a flying start, here is everything currently known about the second installment.
The Latest on the Live-Action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ 2
At CinemaCon 2025, Universal Pictures revealed plans for a live-action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” the beloved sequel from the animated trilogy. Scheduled for a June 2027 release, the announcement signals that the adventures of Hiccup and his dragon companion Toothless are far from over in this new, realistic form.
Mason Thames in “How to Train Your Dragon” (Source: IMDb)
The original “How to Train Your Dragon 2” introduced audiences to a more mature Hiccup, now 20 years old, as he reunites with his long-lost mother Valka and confronts the villainous Drago Bludvist, who seeks to control dragons through force. Praised for its stunning visuals, compelling characters, and emotional storytelling, the film struck a chord with both fans and critics, earning over $600 million worldwide and several prestigious awards.
But the story doesn’t end there. The trilogy’s final chapter, “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” took the saga even further, following Hiccup as he searches for a mythical sanctuary for dragons while facing a deadly new enemy. Beyond the pictures, the franchise has expanded with a heartfelt short film and a popular animated series set centuries later.
With this rich legacy behind it, the upcoming live-action sequel has a high bar to meet—but early buzz suggests it’s poised to bring a fresh, immersive experience to longtime fans and newcomers alike. If the first live-action title’s success is any indication, the next installment could soar to great heights.
