- The live-action remake of 'How to Train Your Dragon' leads the box office and streaming charts.
- Its arrival on digital platforms is gradual and with geographical limitations.
- A sequel is in the works with the same creative team and a broader exploration of the saga.
- The lack of streaming availability of the original animated trilogy is sparking debate.
How to Train Your Dragon has returned with a bang to both theaters and the digital world, becoming one of this year's biggest cinematic phenomena. The live-action remake of the DreamWorks classic has not only been a huge success in theaters, but its arrival on streaming platforms is generating numerous questions and expectations among fans.
Since its release, the film has generated a massive interest at the international level, attracting both fans of the series and new viewers curious to discover how the story of Hiccup and Toothless has been reinvented. The adaptation not only captures the essence of the original, but also raises questions about rights management and the future of major series on digital subscription services.
Box office success and impact figures
The debut of the new How to Train Your Dragon In theaters it has been devastating, surpassing the 565 million at the global box office with an approximate budget of $150 million. In its opening weekend, it achieved one of the best starts in the series, quickly establishing itself as the most profitable title in the franchise.
Its arrival on the digital market has also been notable: in less than a day since its release on video-on-demand platforms, it reached number one on iTunes in the United States, ahead of other notable releases. The audience's support is accompanied by rave reviews for the cast, the visual effects, and its faithfulness to the original spirit.
Streaming availability: a trickle-down arrival
The film's streaming distribution is being progressive and limited by regionsCurrently, it can be rented or purchased digitally on Prime Video in the US for $19,99 (rental) or $29,99 (purchase), with no Prime subscription required. Other platforms, such as Apple TV+, have announced its availability in Spain on September 10, with a price of €11,99 for digital advance purchase.
To date, there is no official date for its subscription release on any service in Spain. Netflix maintains some spin-offs and series from the franchise in its catalog, but neither the remake nor the original animated films are accessible without additional payment. It is speculated that, if a subscription platform were to become available, SkyShowtime would be the most logical candidate due to its agreements with Universal Pictures.
Meanwhile, those looking to rewatch the animated installments can find "How to Train Your Dragon 2" and "How to Train Your Dragon 3" on Tivify, albeit for a very limited time only. In theaters, the remake continues to play in most Spanish theaters due to its continued success.
Details of the film and future horizons of the saga
The film has been directed by Dean deblois, also responsible for the animated trilogy. The main cast includes Mason Thames as Hiccup, Gerard Butler as Stoick and Nico Parker in the role of Astrid, betting on a combination of practical and digital effects to recreate dragons and the Viking world with a more realistic and immersive look.
The story faithfully respects the original premise, putting at the center the friendship between Hiccup and Toothless and the challenge to the traditions of his community. Critics have positively appreciated how the remake respects the emotional tone and the thematic depth of empathy, courage in the face of the established order, and the transformation of fear into opportunity.
The success of the new version has led to Universal Pictures to confirm the development of a live-action sequel, also directed by DeBlois. The second installment is expected to further explore the Viking universe and the evolution of its characters, maintaining the aesthetic and narrative continuity that has captivated audiences.
