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π Live‑Action How to Train Your Dragon (June 13, 2025)
π Premise & Cast
Dean DeBlois, who directed the original animated trilogy, returns to helm the live-action adaptation, bringing iconic Viking boy Hiccup and his dragon Toothless into the real world . Mason Thames leads as Hiccup, with Nico Parker as Astrid, and Gerard Butler returning as Stoick the Vast .
π¬ Production Quality & Visuals
Filmed in Northern Ireland with IMAX cameras, the film deploys advanced CGI and practical sets to craft a photo-real Berk . Early reactions call it:
“Visually stunning and emotionally engaging”
“One of the best live-action remakes thus far”
Fans at CinemaCon reportedly cried during the Hiccup‑Toothless flight scene .
π Community Buzz
Reactions lean positive:
> “The live-action remake… dubbed ‘perfect’. …a breathtaking adventure that soars to new heights”
Reddit users, however, split over whether another animated-to-live-action reboot is necessary:
> “Looks good…but skeptical of any live action remake… original still holds up very well.”
π Sequel & Ride-Alongs
Universal is already planning a sequel for June 2027, and Cressida Cowell, the original author, is actively involved — the film even ties into a theme-park presence at Epic Universe .
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π§ Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature Elio How to Train Your Dragon (Live-Action)
Genre Original sci-fi family adventure Reimagined fantasy/adventure
Release Date June 20, 2025 June 13, 2025
Creative Legacy Pixar’s fresh IP since Coco Continuation of beloved DreamWorks trilogy
Visual Style Cartoonishly colorful, CGI-rich Photo-realistic, practical+CGI blend
Community Expectations Enthusiasts and cautious fans Nostalgia-heavy fanbase, divided opinions
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π― Final Thoughts
Choose Elio if you're craving warm-hearted originality, quirky sci-fi elements, and the classic Pixar feel.
Opt for How to Train Your Dragon if nostalgic, awe-inspiring fantasy with real emotion and dragon-flight spectacle excite you — especially if you love the original trilogy.
Both films are major contenders for family-friendly summer cinema:
How to Train Your Dragon premieres first, on June 13.
Elio offers an original sci-fi journey on June 20.
No matter which you pick (or see both!), you’re in
for characters, visuals, and emotional landscapes worth the screen time.
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