Thescreescore – The live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, a first for DreamWorks, has ignited the box office, achieving a phenomenal global gross of over $206 million in mere days. Director Dean DeBlois, returning from the original animated trilogy, delivered a film that, despite initial reservations from some quarters, has captivated both critics and audiences with its faithfulness to the source material. This resulted in a record-breaking $84 million opening weekend, eclipsing even the original animated films’ debuts. The film’s domestic haul stands at $93 million, complemented by a robust $113 million from international markets, securing its place as one of 2025’s top ten highest-grossing films.
This blistering pace surpasses even the original animated trilogy’s performance at the same stage. The live-action remake’s domestic opening weekend nearly doubled that of the 2010 original, establishing a new franchise record. While the $150 million budget means the break-even point isn’t yet reached, profitability is all but assured by the end of its second weekend. The question now shifts from if to how high the film will climb. Could it surpass even the franchise’s highest earner, How to Train Your Dragon 2 ($614 million globally)? The summer’s competitive landscape presents a challenge, but the current trajectory suggests significant potential.
The success is a resounding victory for DreamWorks and Universal. A sequel, slated for June 2027, is already in development, with DeBlois working on the script. A third installment wouldn’t be a surprise, given the overwhelming positive response. The initial concerns surrounding certain creative choices seem to be fading into the background as the film solidifies its position as a 2025 box office juggernaut.
Related Post
While the second weekend will see competition from releases like 28 Years Later and Elio, the strong audience reception and inherent franchise popularity should ensure continued success. The How to Train Your Dragon remake’s triumph underscores the enduring appeal of the story, proving that even amidst initial skepticism, a well-executed adaptation can soar to incredible heights. The focus now shifts to the sequel and the potential for even greater box office dominance. Source: The Numbers.
Leave a Comment