Directed by the returning Dean DeBlois, responsible for the original animated trilogy, the film features a revamped cast: young Mason Thames plays Hiccup, along with Nico Parker as Astrid, and the return of Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast.The cast is rounded out by Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James and Ruth Codd.
Thames had an intense experience playing the protagonist, to the point of saying that he still walks like Hiccup and dreams of the character. For his part, Butler brought physical presence and dramatic depth, making him frightening even for the film crew .
Critics and journalists point out that the film does not simply repeat the animation in visual realism, but adds 23 additional minutes that enrich the characters-especially Astrid, who gains greater independence and her own motivations. They also highlight the multicultural atmosphere of Berk's world, explained naturally in the script.
Since its release, the film has topped the box office with an impressive opening of $83.7M in North America, outperforming other family action productions. Internationally, it has already accumulated more than 253 M USD in just one week.
Universal has already confirmed that a sequel is in development, with a scheduled release date of June 11, 2027, extending the saga beyond animation.