How to Train Your Dragon Director’s Honest Take on Turning Skepticism into a Hit Live-Action Remake
Dean DeBlois Opens Up About His Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon Remake
When Dean DeBlois, the original director of the beloved 2010 DreamWorks Animation film *How to Train Your Dragon*, agreed to helm the 2025 live-action remake, he was initially hesitant. Known for his skepticism towards live-action remakes, DeBlois had previously called them “lazy on the part of the studio” during a 2020 Annecy International Animation Film Festival event. Yet, he chose to direct the new version not out of excitement, but to protect his vision from someone else’s interpretation.
- DeBlois’ initial doubts about directing the remake
- How a conversation with composer John Powell changed his perspective
- The remake’s success at the box office and its appeal to new audiences
- Availability of the 2025 live-action film for digital and physical purchase
From Doubt to Enthusiasm
DeBlois explained that when Universal Pictures president Peter Cramer shared plans for the remake, he felt compelled to take the director’s seat to safeguard the story he and Chris Sanders originally created. “I’m too protective of the world and the characters,” he admitted. But his turning point came during a heartfelt call with John Powell, who composed the iconic score for the original film and its sequels.
DeBlois recalls, “I called him right after I got off the phone with the studio, and I said, ‘Please talk me out of this if you think it’s a bad idea.’” Powell’s response was optimistic and encouraging, emphasizing the importance of respect and love for the source material and fans. He said, *“If we do it right, it’ll be a hug, like a nostalgic hug to the existing fan base. It’ll open it up for a whole new generation, and others who just don’t watch animation. And if you’re in, I’m in.”* This honest feedback gave DeBlois the confidence to fully embrace the project.
Watch the original *How to Train Your Dragon* soundtrack by John Powell:
Box Office Success and Broad Appeal
The 2025 live-action remake has already made waves at the box office, ranking as the fifth highest-grossing film worldwide for the year. Impressively, it has surpassed the lifetime theatrical earnings of both the original animated movie and its 2019 sequel, *How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World*. This success is partly fueled by families revisiting a cherished story with their kids, as well as attracting viewers who might not typically watch animated films due to the common misconception that cartoons are just for children.
Interestingly, another live-action remake of a film co-directed by DeBlois and Sanders, *Lilo & Stitch*, is also among the top five earners in 2025, although DeBlois revealed that Disney never invited him to work on that project.
Learn more about the box office rankings here:
https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/world/
A Story for Both New and Old Fans
DeBlois highlighted that the live-action film offers the same emotional journey as the original animation, blending thrills, warmth, and heartfelt moments without feeling overly dark or sentimental. He hopes that viewers who discover *How to Train Your Dragon* through the remake will be inspired to explore the animated films and books.
He said, *“It’s a tight little story that is a crowd-pleaser. It takes you on a journey of tears and thrills and warmth at the end. That was always our intention, to try to channel our love of ’80s movies onto the screen.”*
The 2025 live-action *How to Train Your Dragon* is now available for digital purchase and streaming, with DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K releases coming on August 12.
Get your copy here:
Pre-order physical copies here:
