Overview

• The film opened on June 13 to mixed reviews, with critics praising its fidelity to the original narrative and immersive visual effects
• Gerard Butler is the only original cast member to return, while David Tennant was passed over for physical authenticity and other roles were recast
• Seventeen-year-old Mason Thames fulfills a lifelong dream as Hiccup, joined by Nico Parker as Astrid in roles first voiced by Jay Baruchel and America Ferrera
• VFX studio Framestore combined detailed CGI textures with mechanical dragon puppets to capture expressive performances for Toothless and other creatures
• Universal and DreamWorks have already scheduled a sequel for summer 2027, extending the franchise’s live-action trajectory