The live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon has finally hit theaters! While the original animated film, released in 2010, introduced audiences to Hiccup and Toothless, the new live-action version brings a more intense, photo-realistic take on the iconic story.
Director Dean DeBlois, who also directed the animated trilogy, increased the stakes for the live-action film, but still honored the heart of the original. Here’s a look at the biggest differences between the two versions.
1. Stoic and the Vikings Are Attacked by Dragons
In both films, Stoic and the Vikings set out to find the Dragon’s Nest while Hiccup is busy training to fight dragons. In the animated version, the idea of dragons attacking is suggested, but in the live-action film, the attack is shown in full.
As the Vikings sail into the fog, they are attacked by dragons, which increases the danger they face. Director DeBlois explained that this adds a layer of fear to the dragon encounters, showing the threat they pose as Hiccup befriends Toothless in secret.
2. Astrid and Hiccup Have a Moment Before He Faces a Dragon
In both versions, Hiccup is chosen to kill a Monstrous Nightmare in front of the village after being named top of his class. In the live-action film, there’s an extended heart-to-heart between Hiccup and Astrid before the fight.
Hiccup asks her not to help if things go wrong, so as not to ruin her reputation. In the animated version, Astrid simply wishes him good luck, but still jumps in to help when Hiccup gets into trouble.
DeBlois noted that the live-action film allowed for deeper exploration of the relationships between characters, including this emotional moment between Hiccup and Astrid.
3. Toothless Has a Longer Fight Scene
The live-action remake has a more action-packed sequence than the animated version. In the animated film, Toothless intervenes when Hiccup is attacked by the Monstrous Nightmare in the arena, and the fight is brief.
In the live-action version, the battle lasts much longer before the Vikings step in to help. This adds more excitement and intensity to the scene, making it one of the standout moments in the remake.
4. Astrid Gives Hiccup a Piece of Her Mind
In both films, after the dragon-fighting training, Hiccup and Astrid share a quiet moment at dinner. However, in the live-action film, Astrid’s reaction is more intense.
She criticizes Hiccup for suggesting that dragons might not be so bad, and tells him to decide whether he’s on the side of the Vikings or the dragons.
Astrid also talks about wanting to become chief one day, accusing Hiccup of relying on “handouts” because he’s the chief’s son. This scene adds more tension and depth to their relationship in the live-action remake.
5. Stoic Doesn’t Have to Hurt Alone Anymore
The final scene in both versions of How to Train Your Dragon is deeply emotional, especially when Stoic believes Hiccup is dead. In the original film, Stoic kneels beside Toothless, grieving for his son.
In the live-action remake, there’s an added layer of comfort when Astrid walks up to Stoic and places a hand on his shoulder.
This small yet meaningful gesture shows the emotional support Stoic receives from the others, adding an extra layer of depth to the scene. Then, like in the animated film, Toothless reveals that Hiccup was safe all along.
While the live-action How to Train Your Dragon stays true to the heart of the original animated film, it adds more intensity and emotional moments to the story.
From longer fight scenes to deeper character relationships, director Dean DeBlois has crafted a remake that both honors the original and elevates the stakes. Fans of the original will find plenty to love in the live-action version!
