HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON breathes fire into the Box Office this weekend debuting with a hefty $82 million from 4,356 theatres for Universal Pictures, making it a Franchise best for this live action remake. Previous best was 2019’s THE HIDDEN WORLD with a $55 million opening. Canadian Director Dean DeBlois’ adaptation gets 77% on the Tomatometer.

LILO & STITCH takes $16 million in its fourth weekend for Disney, taking it to $367 million domestically.

MATERIALISTS opens with $12 million from 2,844 theatres for A24/VVS Films, nabbing a stellar 87% on the Tomatometer for this latest effort from Celine Song.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – THE FINAL RECKONING comes in fourth with $9 million, bringing it to $165.2 million domestically for Paramount Pictures.

BALLERINA rounds things out with $8 million from 3,409 theatres, bringing its two week total to $41.4 million for Cineplex Pictures/Lionsgate.

Toronto got a huge a surprise following a special Advance Screening of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, the live-action version of the beloved animated film that became a Franchise. Director Dean DeBlois made an appearance following the screening participating in a Q&A for the eagerly-awaited film. The Sheridan College alumni also is know for having written LILO & STITCH, which also is seeing a huge resurgence in popularity too with its live-action adaptation.

Though unpublicized, Jay Baruchel, who starred in the animated films, also came out to show support in the audience!

DeBlois told the audience a few interesting tidbits:

•A sequel to this first live-action film already is in the works
•Cate Blanchett is actively being sought; she voiced Valka Haddock in the animated films
•DeBlois got to keep Gerard Butler‘s sword as a keepsake after filming wrapped

Universal Pictures Canada release HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON in theatres June 13, 2025.

(Photo credit: Justin Waldman/Mr. Will Wong/Universal Pictures Canada)

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will are thrilled to give readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON!

Screenings take place as follows on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 7 pm:

Toronto:
Scotiabank Theatre

Montreal (EN):
Cinema Banque Scotia

Montreal (FR):
Cinema Starcite

Synopsis:

From three-time Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, comes a stunning live-action reimagining of the film that launched the beloved franchise.

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.

As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.

The film also stars Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Bodies), Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn (Smothered), Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club), BAFTA nominee Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Murray McArthur (Game of Thrones).

How to Train Your Dragon is written, produced and directed by DeBlois. It is also produced by three-time Oscar® nominee Marc Platt (Wicked, La La Land) and Emmy winner Adam Siegel (Drive, 2 Guns). How To Train Your Dragon is part of the Filmed For IMAX® Program, which offers filmmakers IMAX® technology to help them deliver the most immersive movie experience to audiences around the world.

Inspired by Cressida Cowell’s New York Times bestselling book series, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon franchise has captivated global audiences, earning four Academy Award® nominations and grossing more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office. Now, through cutting-edge visual effects, DeBlois transforms his beloved animated saga into a breathtaking live-action spectacle, bringing the epic adventures of Hiccup and Toothless to life with jaw-dropping realism as they discover the true meaning of friendship, courage and destiny.

Genre: Epic Action-Adventure

Cast: Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, Murray McArthur

Written and directed by: Dean DeBlois

Producers: Marc Platt, Dean DeBlois, Adam Siegel

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Universal Pictures Canada release HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON June 13, 2025.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

From three-time Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, comes a stunning live-action reimagining of the film that launched the beloved franchise.

The new Trailer:

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.

As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.

The film also stars Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Bodies), Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn (Smothered), Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club), BAFTA nominee Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Murray McArthur (Game of Thrones).

How to Train Your Dragon is written, produced and directed by DeBlois. It is also produced by three-time Oscar® nominee Marc Platt (Wicked, La La Land) and Emmy winner Adam Siegel (Drive, 2 Guns). How To Train Your Dragon is part of the Filmed For IMAX® Program, which offers filmmakers IMAX® technology to help them deliver the most immersive movie experience to audiences around the world.

Inspired by Cressida Cowell’s New York Times bestselling book series, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon franchise has captivated global audiences, earning four Academy Award® nominations and grossing more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office. Now, through cutting-edge visual effects, DeBlois transforms his beloved animated saga into a breathtaking live-action spectacle, bringing the epic adventures of Hiccup and Toothless to life with jaw-dropping realism as they discover the true meaning of friendship, courage and destiny.

Genre: Epic Action-Adventure

Cast: Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, Murray McArthur

Written and directed by: Dean DeBlois

Producers: Marc Platt, Dean DeBlois, Adam Siegel

From three-time Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, comes a stunning live-action reimagining of the film that launched the beloved franchise. Universal Pictures Canada release in theatres June 13, 2025.

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.

As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.

The film also stars Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Bodies), Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn (Smothered), Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club), BAFTA nominee Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Murray McArthur (Game of Thrones).

How to Train Your Dragon is written, produced and directed by DeBlois. It is also produced by three-time Oscar® nominee Marc Platt (Wicked, La La Land) and Emmy winner Adam Siegel (Drive, 2 Guns). How To Train Your Dragon is part of the Filmed For IMAX® Program, which offers filmmakers IMAX® technology to help them deliver the most immersive movie experience to audiences around the world.

Inspired by Cressida Cowell’s New York Times bestselling book series, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon franchise has captivated global audiences, earning four Academy Award® nominations and grossing more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office. Now, through cutting-edge visual effects, DeBlois transforms his beloved animated saga into a breathtaking live-action spectacle, bringing the epic adventures of Hiccup and Toothless to life with jaw-dropping realism as they discover the true meaning of friendship, courage and destiny.

Genre: Epic Action-Adventure

Cast: Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, Murray McArthur

Written and directed by: Dean DeBlois

Producers: Marc Platt, Dean DeBlois, Adam Siegel

From three-time Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, comes a stunning live-action reimagining of the film that launched the beloved franchise. In theatres June 13, 2025.

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.

As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.

The film also stars Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Bodies), Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn (Smothered), Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club), BAFTA nominee Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Murray McArthur (Game of Thrones).

How to Train Your Dragon is written, produced and directed by DeBlois. It is also produced by three-time Oscar® nominee Marc Platt (Wicked, La La Land) and Emmy winner Adam Siegel (Drive, 2 Guns). How To Train Your Dragon is part of the Filmed For IMAX® Program, which offers filmmakers IMAX® technology to help them deliver the most immersive movie experience to audiences around the world.

Inspired by Cressida Cowell’s New York Times bestselling book series, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon franchise has captivated global audiences, earning four Academy Award® nominations and grossing more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office. Now, through cutting-edge visual effects, DeBlois transforms his beloved animated saga into a breathtaking live-action spectacle, bringing the epic adventures of Hiccup and Toothless to life with jaw-dropping realism as they discover the true meaning of friendship, courage and destiny.

Genre: Epic Action-Adventure

Cast: Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, Murray McArthur

Written and directed by: Dean DeBlois

Producers: Marc Platt, Dean DeBlois, Adam Siegel

From three-time Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, comes a stunning live-action reimagining of the film that launched the beloved franchise. Last night we got a look at a new TV Spot during the Big Game and the new Trailer drops Wednesday. Arriving in theatres June 13, 2025.

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.

As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.

The film also stars Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Bodies), Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn (Smothered), Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club), BAFTA nominee Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Murray McArthur (Game of Thrones).

How to Train Your Dragon is written, produced and directed by DeBlois. It is also produced by three-time Oscar® nominee Marc Platt (Wicked, La La Land) and Emmy winner Adam Siegel (Drive, 2 Guns). How To Train Your Dragon is part of the Filmed For IMAX® Program, which offers filmmakers IMAX® technology to help them deliver the most immersive movie experience to audiences around the world.

Inspired by Cressida Cowell’s New York Times bestselling book series, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon franchise has captivated global audiences, earning four Academy Award® nominations and grossing more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office. Now, through cutting-edge visual effects, DeBlois transforms his beloved animated saga into a breathtaking live-action spectacle, bringing the epic adventures of Hiccup and Toothless to life with jaw-dropping realism as they discover the true meaning of friendship, courage and destiny.

Genre: Epic Action-Adventure

Cast: Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, Murray McArthur

Written and directed by: Dean DeBlois

Producers: Marc Platt, Dean DeBlois, Adam Siegel

SHAZAM! is a well-meant winner at the Box Office this weekend, nabbing top spot for Warner Bros. with $53.7 million, from 4,259 theatres. The latest adaptation from DC Comics, gets universal acclaim with 91% on the Tomatometer and an A CinemaScore to match.

Debuting in second spot and not disgraced in a reboot of Stephen King’s PET SEMATARY with $24 million from 3,585 theatres for Paramount Pictures. It gets 61% on the Tomatometer and a C+ CinemaScore from Audiences.

In third is last week’s champ, Disney’s DUMBO with $18.5 million from 4,259 theatres. Over two weeks, it has made $76.5 million domestically.

In fourth is US with $14.5 million for Universal Pictures, a total $151.3 million gross across North America in three weeks.

BEST OF ENEMIES starring Taraji P. Henson opens in sixth with $4.9 million for STX Entertainment, from 1,705 theatres. It will be expanding to Canada shortly for Elevation Pictures. It gets 50% on the Tomatometer and an A CinemaScore.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD rounds things out in tenth with $2 million for Universal Pictures, a total $156.7 million grossed over seven weeks.

Despite lots of controversy and several smear campaigns on the internet, CAPTAIN MARVEL prevails atop the Box Office with a spectacular $160 million from 4,310 theatres in its debut this weekend for Disney. The International Women’s Day release featuring for the first time ever a female superhero in the starring role, gets 79% on the Tomatometer and also an A CinemaScore.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD lands in second with $15.2 million for Universal Pictures, a three week total of $120 million.

A MADEA FAMILY FUNERAL is in third this weekend with $11.3 million, a total $45.2 million for Lionsgate Films/Elevation Pictures.

THE LEGO MOVIE 2: THE SECOND PART finds itself in fourth with $3.7 million, a five week total of $97 million for Warner Bros.

WHAT MEN WANT rounds things out in tenth with $1 million, a five week total of $51.9 million domestically for Paramount Pictures.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD once again prevails atop the Box Office this weekend, taking $26 million from 4,286 theatres in its second week out. In its run thus far, it has grossed$93.7 million for Universal Pictures.

In second is TYLER PERRY’S A MADEA FAMILY FUNERAL with $25.8 million from 2,442 theatres for Lionsgate Films/Elevation Pictures. Its Franchise best still belongs to 2009’s TYLER PERRY’S MADEA GOES TO JAIL which opened with $41 million. The Comedy gets 29% on the Tomatometer.

In third is  ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL with $6.7 million for 20th Century Fox. Over three weeks it has grossed $72 million.

GRETA, a TIFF ’18 selection, debuts in fifth with $4.5 million for Focus Features/Universal Pictures. It gets 57% on the Tomatometer and stars both Isabelle Huppert and Chloë Grace Moretz.

Academy Award Best Picture GREEN BOOK sees a little boost in sixth with $4.5 million from 2,641 theatres, a total $75.7 million made over 16 weeks for Universal Pictures.

HAPPY DEATH DAY 2 U rounds things out with $2.5 million, a total $25.2 million grossed over three weeks for Universal Pictures.