How To Train Your Dragon Is Amazing, But Toothless’ Design Is a Letdown
CAUTION: The following content might reveal a small number of spoilers for the live-action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon” released in 2025. If you have not watched this movie, or even the popular Dreamworks animated film that preceded it, I’d recommend you read further with some degree of care.
2021 has been quite eventful for live-action renditions of animated films, with Disney’s debut of both Snow White and Lilo & Stitch. Now, Universal Studios and DreamWorks are joining the fray by adapting How to Train Your Dragon, a project that sees its original co-writer and co-director, Dean DeBloise, returning after 15 years to breathe life into the Isle of Berk in a fresh format.
In a departure from what might appear as a quick remake turnaround, this fresh interpretation of Cressida Cowell’s enchanting novel left me spellbound and touched, making it one of the most exhilarating and heartwarming cinematic journeys I’ve embarked on in 2025. Yet, with a twist of regret, I must admit that the latest children’s movie didn’t quite live up to my expectations, and there were aspects that left me wanting more. One of these elements was the portrayal of the lead dragon character, Toothless. Let me expound on this…
Toothless Is A Carbon Copy Of His Original Design
Similar to the beloved children’s film from 2010 titled “How to Train Your Dragon,” this new adaptation follows young Mason Thames as he portrays Hiccup, an aspiring dragon hunter who develops a unique bond with a rare Nightfury dragon, whom he affectionately names Toothless. Much like myself, I chose not to watch the trailer for the live-action remake, eagerly anticipating my first sight of the enchanting dragon’s redesigned appearance on the big screen. In hindsight, maybe it would have been wise to catch a glimpse of the movie’s updated character design beforehand, to prevent any potential letdown when I eventually lay eyes on it.
In the new live-action adaptation, Toothless appears strikingly similar to his original animated self, as if he’d been lifted straight from the movie and dropped into our world. While it’s true that the CGI has been refined, it doesn’t quite manage to make him seem like a genuine, alive and breathing character within this new setting. Personally, I feel that the opportunity was missed by not redesigning Toothless for the remake, although this is just one point of contention in my view.
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The Whole Movie Is A Direct Copy Of The Original
In the new movie, Toothless appears strikingly similar to his 2010 version, and it seems that almost everything else about the film mirrors its earlier counterpart – from the intricate details of the production design, costumes, and almost every aspect you could think of, to the script that sticks closely to the original. But rest assured, How to Train Your Dragon is not merely a carbon copy of the animated series; the storyline also refrains from deviating too far from the familiar plot.
As a cinephile, I firmly hold that a remake’s mission ought to be to offer something fresh and compelling, particularly in terms of its narrative and visual style. However, there are instances where the stunningly executed action sequences, captivating aerial cinematography, and powerhouse performances can keep me from writing off a film as unnecessary.
Did Other Business Considerations Play A Role?
Given the intense criticism Disney faces for not innovating enough with their live-action remakes of animated movies, I found myself pondering what factors led Universal and DreamWorks to restrict creativity in ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. Upon further investigation, it turned out that Universal’s latest theme park, Epic Universe, features a whole area modeled on the Isle of Berk, which explained their decision.
It’s not my style to assume things without solid evidence, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the decision to make Toothless and other dragons in the upcoming film look more like their original designs was influenced by the fact that those designs were the basis for their animatronic forms in Epic Universe. They might have also taken into account how toy sales could be impacted, with a cuddly Toothless figurine (which you can now pre-order on Amazon) potentially being more popular than one modeled after a dragon straight out of Tolkien’s works.
It’s plausible that Universal may have feared that overstepping creative boundaries in the remake of How to Train Your Dragon could diminish its appeal, but I find myself at odds with that viewpoint. Instead, I believe offering a refreshing twist on a well-known tale can pique curiosity more. If I hadn’t watched the original film, I might have been enamored with this version even more. However, I will likely continue to favor the original for future viewings… though it probably won’t significantly impact my overall enjoyment of either.
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2025-06-16 01:09