Universal Pictures’ live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon is off to a fiery start, racking up $8M–$9M in Thursday previews, including early fan access showings. This early success puts the beloved franchise back in the spotlight—this time in a whole new form.
While industry estimates are still being finalized, insiders suggest the film could see a $100M+ opening weekend, with exhibitors strongly backing it as the next big summer blockbuster. Originally forecasted to bring in $65M–$75M, strong preview earnings are now pushing expectations much higher.
Rotten Tomatoes Buzz: Fans Are Loving It
Directed by Dean DeBlois, the creative mind behind the original animated trilogy, this new version has achieved a stunning 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics also offering a strong 77% Certified Fresh rating. That’s higher than the live-action Lilo & Stitch remake and almost on par with Disney’s biggest releases.
Previews for the film, starring Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nico Parker as Astrid, started as early as 2 PM Thursday. The crowd turnout and early buzz indicate the franchise may be set for a record-breaking summer run.
Comparison with Past Releases
- Frozen 2: $8.5M previews, $130.2M opening
- Lilo & Stitch: $14.5M previews, $146M opening
- Transformers: Rise of the Beasts: $7.6M previews, $61M opening
- HTTYD: The Hidden World: $3M previews, $55M opening
- HTTYD 2: $2M previews, $49.4M opening
This means the 2025 live-action version is outperforming all previous How to Train Your Dragon entries, and even some major Disney blockbusters.
A Billion-Dollar Legacy Continues
The How to Train Your Dragon trilogy has already grossed $1.7 billion globally, and this remake could push the franchise beyond the $2 billion mark if it maintains momentum.
With strong preview numbers, massive fan buzz, and favorable critic reviews, Universal’s gamble on live-action may pay off in a big way.
