Beyond the Remake: How Dean DeBlois Protected the Soul of ‘How To Train Your Dragon’
In the wasteland of live-action remakes that has come to define Hollywood’s recent output, something remarkable happened with “How To Train Your Dragon.” Instead of being handed off to a director-for-hire with a mandate to modernize and monetize, Universal Pictures did something revolutionary in its simplicity: they gave it back to its creator.
Dean DeBlois, who directed the original animated trilogy that collectively grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide, has returned to helm the live-action adaptation that opened this weekend. It’s a move that stands in stark contrast to the industry standard of sidelining original creators when transitioning beloved properties from animation to live-action.
When the Creator Becomes the Guardian
DeBlois wasn’t initially part of Universal’s remake plans. When approached about the live-action adaptation, he made a compelling case for his involvement.
“I was protective of it,” DeBlois revealed in an interview with Variety. “I understand these characters, I know what’s at the heart of this story, and I know what resonates with audiences.”
This protective instinct makes perfect sense. The original “How To Train Your Dragon” wasn’t just a commercial success—it was a creative triumph that connected deeply with audiences through its themes of acceptance, disability, and the courage to challenge destructive traditions.
For DeBlois, watching someone else potentially dismantle what he had lovingly built was unthinkable. Unlike Disney’s approach with remakes like “The Lion King” or “Aladdin,” where original filmmakers are rarely consulted, Universal recognized the value in continuity of vision.
A Shot-for-Shot Commitment with Room to Breathe
The live-action “How To Train Your Dragon” takes the unusual approach of being largely a shot-for-shot remake—a creative decision that honors fans’ connection to the original while still expanding the narrative canvas. The new film includes an additional 27 minutes of footage that deepens character relationships and mythology without altering the story’s core.
This approach represents a delicate balancing act between nostalgia and innovation. “We wanted to deliver what fans expect—that nostalgic hug—while still creating something that feels fresh,” DeBlois explained. “The iconic flight sequences, Hiccup and Toothless’s first connection—these moments are sacred to fans, so we preserved them carefully.”
The additional runtime allows DeBlois to address elements he wished he could have explored more deeply in the animated version, particularly the father-son dynamic between Hiccup and Stoick. It’s a rare chance at creative refinement rather than reinvention.
The Father-Son Relationship at the Heart of Berk
One area where the live-action version expands significantly is in developing the complicated relationship between Hiccup and his father, Stoick the Vast. In the animated version, this relationship provided emotional stakes, but time constraints limited its exploration.
“The heart of the story has always been this father-son relationship,” DeBlois noted. “Hiccup is this lanky, creative kid who doesn’t fit the Viking mold his father embodies. In the live-action version, we really dig into why Stoick is so hard on Hiccup—it comes from love and fear for his son’s survival in a harsh world.”
Mason Thames, who plays Hiccup, brings a vulnerable physicality to the role that emphasizes his outsider status among the brawny Vikings of Berk. Gerard Butler returns to voice Stoick, providing continuity while bringing new emotional depths to the character.
Breathing Fire Into Digital Dragons
Perhaps the greatest challenge in bringing “How To Train Your Dragon” to live-action was creating believable dragons that still capture the personality and appeal of their animated counterparts. The film employs cutting-edge visual effects to bring Toothless and the other dragons to life.
“We wanted the dragons to feel physically present in the world,” DeBlois said. “But we were vigilant about maintaining their personality. Toothless isn’t just a creature—he’s a character that audiences need to connect with emotionally.”
This balance between realism and character expression represents the central technical challenge of the adaptation. Early reviews suggest the film has largely succeeded, with Toothless in particular maintaining the cat-like mannerisms and expressive eyes that made him so beloved in the animated version.
The Outsider’s Perspective: Celebrating Misfits
At its core, “How To Train Your Dragon” has always been a celebration of outsiders and misfits. Hiccup, with his innovative mind and smaller stature, challenges Viking traditions not through strength but through empathy and intelligence.
“The theme of being true to yourself even when society ridicules you for it resonates across generations,” DeBlois explained. “In our current cultural climate, that message feels more relevant than ever.”
The live-action version doubles down on this theme, expanding roles for characters like Astrid to give them more agency and depth. “Astrid was somewhat limited in the animated film,” DeBlois admitted. “Here, we’ve given her a more complete arc that better reflects her importance to Hiccup’s journey.”
Setting a New Standard for Animated Adaptations
With projected opening weekend box office numbers between $67 and $83 million, “How To Train Your Dragon” appears poised to buck the trend of disappointing live-action remakes. Industry analysts point to DeBlois’s involvement as a key differentiator from less successful adaptations.
“When the original creator is involved, there’s an authenticity that audiences can sense,” noted one box office analyst. “DeBlois isn’t just remaking his film—he’s refining it with the benefit of years of reflection and technological advancement.”
Chris Sanders, who co-created the original animated film with DeBlois, expressed support for his former creative partner’s vision. “There needs to be a clear purpose for reimagining these stories,” Sanders said. “With Dean at the helm, I’m optimistic this adaptation will honor what made the original special.”
Beyond the Original: Expanding the Mythology
While staying true to the original story, the live-action film also takes the opportunity to expand the mythology of the dragon world. New scenes shot in the Faroe Islands provide a more textured environment for Berk and its surrounding territories.
“We wanted to ground the story in a more tangible world,” DeBlois explained. “The Faroe Islands gave us this incredible, primordial landscape that feels like it could genuinely be home to Vikings and dragons.”
These expansions don’t alter the narrative trajectory but provide deeper context for the world-building that became increasingly important in the animated sequels. For fans of Cressida Cowell’s original book series, these additions help bridge some of the gaps between the source material and the film adaptations.
The Future of the Franchise
With the release of the live-action adaptation, questions inevitably arise about the future of the “How To Train Your Dragon” franchise. DeBlois remains cautious but optimistic.
“I’ve always approached these films as complete stories that don’t necessitate sequels,” he said. “But if audiences connect with this version the way they did with the animated films, there are certainly more stories to tell in this world.”
The original animated trilogy told a complete coming-of-age story for Hiccup, but the rich world created by Cowell’s books offers numerous possibilities for exploration, whether in animated or live-action format.
A Blueprint for Thoughtful Adaptation
In an industry driven by IP and remakes, “How To Train Your Dragon” offers a potential blueprint for more thoughtful adaptations. By returning creative control to the original filmmaker and emphasizing continuity over reinvention, Universal may have stumbled upon a formula that satisfies both nostalgic fans and newcomers.
As audiences return to Berk this weekend, they’re experiencing something rare in Hollywood’s remake culture: a film that exists not because executives demanded it, but because its creator saw an opportunity to revisit and refine his vision with new tools at his disposal.
In trusting DeBlois to guide this dragon’s flight once more, Universal hasn’t just remade a film—they’ve honored its legacy while potentially creating a new one.