Overview

• The remake, released June 13, stars Mason Thames as Hiccup, Nico Parker as Astrid and sees Gerard Butler reprise his role as Stoick the Vast under director Dean DeBlois
• Critics are split over the film’s near-shot-for-shot fidelity to the 2010 animated original, praising its heart while faulting it for lacking fresh creative depth
• Parker addressed fan criticism over her casting and departure from Astrid’s original appearance by saying she values inclusivity and ignores negative opinions on her hair and heritage
• Dean DeBlois has begun writing a sequel that he describes as darker and more expansive, and he is actively courting Cate Blanchett to reprise her role as Valka
• Universal is leveraging studio synergy by opening an Isle of Berk-themed land at its Epic Universe park in Orlando to coincide with the film’s release