How to Train Your Dragon Star Says Live-Action Remake Is Scarier Than Animated Movie

In an interview with The Direct, Gerard Butler, who returns for the live-action version of “How to Train Your Dragon,” hints at a more intense and immersive journey compared to its animated predecessor. The new adaptation is set to bring a darker tone to the beloved franchise as director Dean DeBlois moves from animation to live-action. The production strives to make the world of Vikings and dragons feel tangible, marking a significant departure from the animated version. Scheduled for release in June 2025, this reimagining celebrates the 15th anniversary of the original animated film, promising a more gripping cinematic experience according to Butler.

In my perspective, the power of the fresh adaptation shines through in Butler’s detailed portrayal of crucial scenes. “Seeing a dragon breathing fire over real Viking men and women fleeing is far more chilling than watching an animated version,” he shared. “There’s a bit more room for detachment, but it feels incredibly immersive and engaging instead.” His enthusiasm for the project is tangible, as he openly confessed, “Thinking about it gives me goosebumps. It was just so awe-inspiring and powerful.

The high level of realism isn’t limited to visual effects; it also involves the strenuous requirements of filming. In a past interview, Butler spoke about the tough task of embodying Stoick in reality, stating that his costume was like “five pieces of torment” weighing around 90 pounds and needing several hours of daily preparation, including a complex beard application. Yet, despite these obstacles, Butler’s passion never wavered, expressing amazement at the footage from the set: “Your jaw simply drops in awe.

How to Train Your Dragon Is Reinventing a Modern Classic

As a movie enthusiast, I was thrilled to witness the seamless transition from animation to live-action in this film, a dream long nurtured by both the creative minds behind it and the lead actor himself, Butler. In a heartfelt conversation with The Direct, he shared his thoughts, “I’ve always admired the animated films, often finding myself pondering, ‘If only these characters and worlds were real, if we could touch them, breathe fire like dragons?’ And here we are, bringing that dream to life.” This production’s goal, evidently, was not just to materialize the fantastical realm but also to maintain its emotional essence, ensuring the magic of the original remains intact.

In this revamped take on the story, Mason Thames from “The Black Phone” takes the spotlight as Hiccup, joined by a new ensemble. Previews have highlighted significant scenes from the original tale, such as Hiccup’s initial meeting with Toothless, skillfully blended through a mix of traditional sets and cutting-edge technology. As Butler had mentioned earlier, “It’s a blend of many elements – there’s an undercurrent of the strange, but also a lot of difficulty, suspense, and exhilaration.

With the original director DeBlois still on board, this innovative take on the content stays faithful to its origins while venturing into uncharted territories. Simultaneously, the live-action format empowers the actors to fully embody their characters, as Butler puts it, “it’s like being in those worlds for real,” making it a grand demonstration of immersion into these extraordinary universes.

The importance of this adaptation is significant, considering the history of the franchise. The initial animated trilogy, accompanied by numerous short films and TV specials, created a fascinating universe that hooked viewers globally. Preliminary clips hint that the remake could surpass predictions. After watching parts of the film, Butler’s evaluation indicates a promising transformation that not only maintains but enhances the original’s charm. This means that each scene will be particularly valuable to both new and veteran fans.

How to Train Your Dragon hits theaters on June 13, 2025.

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2025-01-30 13:09