How to Train Your Dragon 4: Release Date, Cast, Plot 2025

Key Points

• How to Train Your Dragon 4 is expected to be a live-action adaptation of the original animated film, coming out on June 13, 2025.
• The cast includes Mason Thames as Hiccup, Nico Parker as Astrid, and Gerard Butler as Stoick.
• Dean DeBlois has directed this film, and his goal is to celebrate the animated timeless classic while providing additional layers of depth.
• Showtime is currently unavailable, but they may be checked on Fandango as the date approaches.
• Early impressions say that the film’s visuals are captivating, but some fans seem to be baffled as to why a live-action version is needed.

What Is How to Train Your Dragon 4?

The forthcoming installment, How to Train Your Dragon 4, seems like it will be a live-action version of the loved animated film released in 2010, rather than acting as a direct sequel to the animated trilogy. Slated for a June 13, 2025 release, it follows the account of a Viking boy Hiccup and his dragon companion Toothless who oppose age-old customs on Berk Island. It is D. DeBlois who directs, as he did with the animated trilogy, but promises to put a new spin on the film while keeping its essence.

What You Should Know

The How to Train Your Dragon franchise has captivated audiences with its animated films and created fandoms because of its deep emotional storytelling alongside breathtaking visuals. The excitement centered around this live-action adaptation is mainly due to the immense possibilities of how the story could be enhanced and reimagined with real people, unparalleled special effects, and modern tech. Although, some fans express doubts about this adaptation living up to the animated charm. The initial hype from screenings believes it may outperform other live-action remakes.

Finding Showtimes

As of May 9, 2025, this motion picture is still a month away, and hence showtimes are not currently provided. Theater info and tickets can be checked after June 13, 2025, on sites like Fandango.

An Overview of How to Train Your Dragon 4

Preface

The scheduled release of the live-action adaptation on June 13, 2025, dates How to Train Your Dragon as one of the most important films in history. The magic world of Berk will get digitally transformed for real-life actors and special effects. Dean DeBlois, who directed the animated trilogy, is in charge of this one too. The movie is said to star Mason Thames as Hiccup, Nico Parker as Astrid, and Gerard Butler once again as Stoick, converting Burton’s iconic lines. In this article, I want to focus on the anticipated plot, speculate with you what other fans of the franchise are most excited for.

Plot Overview

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the dragon-friendly protagonist of How to Train Your Dragon, lives on Berk Island, where Vikings and dragons have been at war for centuries. The son of the chief Stoick the Vast, Hiccup is a more sensitive and thoughtful boy compared to his peer warriors. Hiccup bonds with a Night Fury dragon he names Toothless, discovering that dragons, unlike their reputation, can actually be friends. Their friendship changes the bond between Vikings and dragons.

With the growing threat of dragon hunter Drago Bludvist and his bewitched Bewilderbeast, Hiccup is forced to fight with his friends Astrid, Gobber, Snotlout, Fishlegs, and the Twins, to not only save the dragons, but the Vikings from Bludvist too. Throughout the film, Hiccup deals with his complicated friendship with Stoick and the ever-growing danger to Berk as an ancient threat resurfaces. The combination of Stoick and Hiccup’s strained bond and the friendship between Hiccup and Toothless exemplifies the themes of courage, loyalty, and companionship. In order to save Berk, the two must work together, showing that their friendship is the answer to a harmonious future.

How to Train Your Dragon is adept at portraying heartwarming friendships. While depicting Astrid’s storyline in greater detail, there is more focus on the emotional components of the plot than in the initial adaptation, ensuring the 2010 film’s foundational story remains intact.

How to Train Your Dragon 4 Voice Cast

This production has brought together a unique mix of up-and-coming and veteran stars, which makes for a talented cast. A table with the main performers and the characters they portray follows:

“I grew up watching these movies, and to be part of bringing them to life in a new way is a dream come true,” said Thames, who gives the voice to Hiccup. Parker’s casting as Astrid is noticeable, although some fans did not seem pleased as she deviated from the look of the animated character.

Dean DeBlois defended his choice by saying, “For people who are online complaining she’s not blonde enough or not white enough, just wait till they see the performance” (Screen Rant). Continuity is provided by the return of Gerard Butler as Stoick, who remarked, “It’s an honor to be part of this story again, especially in this new format.”

Director’s Vision

The animated trilogy’s creator, Dean DeBlois, is now responsible for the live-action version. He spoke on Screen Rant about the issue which has raised eyebrows: “There are always going to be people who are like ‘I’m going to boycott this!’ Well, they can watch the animated movie. We are making it with a lot of love and a lot of respect for what the animated movies are, not to replace them.” He pointed out how the relationships between the characters might be expanded, particularly the one with Astrid: “It felt like she was pretty thin [in the animated films], but she potentially had more depth.” “In this version, she has to give up a lot to fall from grace with Hiccup, which makes her a more interesting character to watch.”

DeBlois also justified the casting decisions made by stating, “Not everyone in this community has to be white due to it being an expanded mythology.”

“Those who fought came together from all of these different locations, under a single Viking name.” This approach attempts to expand the film’s scope, while still capturing the heart of the source material. DeBlois emphasized that the emotions created through characters are deeper through face-to-face interactions, “There’s room to expand it and enrich it. We can enrich some of those relationships in the way that live actors can do when you put a camera on them.”

The Production

Famed for Legally Blonde and La La Land, Marc Platt produces this film, cinematically ensuring a solid reputation. Berk’s mesmerizing landscapes and action-filled dragon sequences are captured by Bill Pope, the man behind The Matrix and Spider-Man 2. John Powell, who animated the films’ scores, adapted the live-action version to screen scores by adding new ones that carry his signature themes alongside fresh ones meant for the film, mingling with familiar ones. Most filming was done in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and after pausing due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild strikes, the movie finally finished in May 2024 (Rotten Tomatoes).

Reactions and Previews

The first clip came out in November of 2024, containing the live-action Berk, Viking civilization, and the dragons. Berk is a Viking village and is also referred to as ‘Berk Of The Dragons’ because of the dragons that inhabit that area. It kept showing Hiccup and Toothless’s first meeting with astonishing visually effective and heartwarming realism of Toothless. Stunning visual effects breathtaking enough to make Toothless look realistic yet endearing. Dragons are at war with the civilization and waged war against Drago Bludvist, a different dragon keeper. There is a second clip that was showcased on Super Bowl LIX freshly aired on February 9, 2025 (Wikipedia).

It’s incredible how early screenings on April 2025 for CinemaCon invoked so much hype. Critics were adamant when speaking about the visuals and the emotional component of the film. They were praising the deepness of Drago’s visual as well as Menzel’s claim of “If Disney had responsibility for the live-action ones then they dropped the ball aside from Pete’s Dragon” laughing about the mistake made by Disney. Jeffrey Harris from 411mania a few moments later adding “That is beyond what I’m looking for” only to be echoed by Dorian Parks of Geeks of Color calling “You can’t go wrong in saying that it’s the most stunning live-action adaptation I’ve ever witnessed” (Rotten Tomatoes). The episode of Hiccup riding Toothless for the first time received mid-screen applause.

How to Train Your Dragon 4 Showtimes

Since June 13, 2025, is more than a month away from today’s date (May 9, 2025), showtimes are not available as of now. Fans can check Fandango and similar sites as the date gets closer. The movie will be screened in RealD 3D, IMAX, 4DX, ScreenX, and D-Box, all of which offer immersive experiences. Along with a 3D version, the film will be shown in many other formats too so fans do not miss out.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The live-action How to Train Your Dragon certainly comes with advantages. It tells the tale to a fresh audience, using top-notch special effects and technology to create a dreamlike charm. The multi-dimensional character development, especially for Astrid, adds a new layer of depth to the story which may enhance its relatability for some. The direct involvement of DeBlois and some important cast members, including Butler, ensures the essence of the original is still maintained.

However, disadvantages do exist. Some devotees raised concerns about the logic behind a live-action adaptation, claiming it would lose the magic of the animated classics. Casting decisions have polarized fans, particularly Nico Parker as Astrid, but DeBlois’s counterargument shows he is choosing to trust her portrayal. There’s the struggle of remaining true to the original and needing to justify the decision to call themselves a remake; this struggle is what so many other live-action adaptations fall into.

Ethical Considerations

Meeting the audience’s expectations, the varied casting reflects an effort at inclusivity. DeBlois’s expanded mythology supports this, although some fans who prefer the animated version have been vocal about this change. How much freedom should creators have in making changes to tell a story that fans cherish? The movie’s production also dealt with labor issues, and the 2023 strikes served as a reminder that the industry needs to improve working conditions during production delays.

Future Outlook

The early success at CinemaCon and positive trailer receptions point towards how How to Train Your Dragon 4 might perform at the box office. With a live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon 2 already announced as being in development, Universal’s confidence in the franchise’s potential is clear. The balance between new audiences and long-time fans will define the movie’s legacy.

Conclusion

The excitement for How to Train Your Dragon 4 is skyrocketing as the release date of June 13, 2025, draws near. The live-action remake of this beloved film could bring new views from the actors, director, and visuals without losing the original’s charm. If you have been a fan for a while or just recently discovered Berk, this film will serve you grand entertainment. Remember to check Fandango for showtimes after the date draws closer, and get ready to go on an epic adventure alongside Hiccup, Toothless, and the Berk Vikings.

Important References

• Wikipedia: How to Train Your Dragon (2025 film)
• Rotten Tomatoes: How to Train Your Dragon (2025)
• IMDb: How to Train Your Dragon (2025)
• Fandango: How to Train Your Dragon (2025) Showtimes
• Variety: How to Train Your Dragon’s First Reactions
• Hollywood Reporter: How to Train Your Dragon Live-Action Trailer
• Screen Rant: How to Train Your Dragon Director Interview
• Entertainment Weekly: How to Train Your Dragon Live-Action Cast
• Teen Vogue: How to Train Your Dragon Live-Action Details
• Beebom: How to Train Your Dragon 4 Cast
• The Direct: Information Regarding How to Train Your Dragon 4 Release
• Screen Rant: How to Train Your Dragon 4 Release Details
• Rotten Tomatoes: How to Train Your Dragon First Reactions
• Hollywood Reporter: How to Train Your Dragon Full Trailer