‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Director Says Film Teaches Children to Lead with Kindness
The director of the new live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon says the plot has much to teach children and parents alike about friendship, kindness, and the power of coming together despite differences. The Universal film opens this weekend and follows the uplifting story of a misfit Viking teen named Hiccup who forms an unlikely bond with a feared dragon, challenging everything his father and village believe about the creatures. While his village sees dragons as dangerous enemies to be killed, Hiccup discovers they're misunderstood—and may even be allies. The 2010 animated version of the story was an instant hit.
Filmmaker Dean DeBlois, who helmed the three animated films, returns as the director. It's rated PG.
"I think it's just a reminder that we're not all cut of the same cloth, and as much as we as parents might want our kids to follow in our footsteps, there's both courage and enlightenment in realizing that we're all individuals and that the kids might have something to teach us as well -- about being different, about turning a perceived weakness into a strength," DeBlois told Crosswalk Headlines.
"I think that's really what the story is about -- is Hiccup's a bit ahead of his time, but he manages to usher in a peaceful era, simply by having the courage to look beyond what he's been taught about the perceived enemy, in this case. And with a little bit of compassion and empathy, [to] realize that there's more to the story."
Hiccup defies the expectations of his friends and family, DeBlois noted.
"That's a hero I can get behind," DeBlois told Crosswalk Headlines. "I know what it's like to be ridiculed and mocked, and I grew up that way, too. So seeing a hero who can … defy expectation and endure mockery to ultimately lead a genuine path -- that's the sort of hero for me."
DeBlois is a fan of films such as E.T. and Black Stallion, where characters "come together for a brief period and have a really profound effect on one another's lives." How to Train Your Dragon is a similar story.
Mason Thames portrays Hiccup, while Nico Parker stars as Astrid.
Meanwhile, DeBlois admits he's not typically a fan of live-action remakes -- but says he wanted to be involved if Universal was moving forward with one.
"I came from having publicly said I don't like this trend. As an animator, I felt that it was a bit of an affront to the medium, but also just a missed opportunity in most cases -- you could be doing something original, creating new franchises, instead of revisiting ones that are already out there and beloved," he told Crosswalk Headlines. "But my convictions were put to the test when Universal called and said, 'We're considering a live action version of How To Train Your Dragon.' And immediately I thought, rather selfishly -- admittedly -- I thought, 'I don't want to see someone else's version of it, so if you're going to do it, let me do it, and I can pledge and guarantee you that the wonder and the heart of the story is going to find its way into this live-action version."
How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is rated PG for sequences of intense action and peril.
Photo Credit: ©Universal
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published June 11, 2025.
