Moviefone Editorial

Tag: how-to-train-your-dragon-2025

Best Gerard Butler Movies of All Time Ranked

Gerard Butler as John Garrity in ‘Greenland 2: Migration’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

Gerard Butler is the king of the sequels!

He’s helped created popular franchises from film’s like ‘Olympus Has Fallen‘, ‘Den of Thieves‘, and ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ with an upcoming sequel for ‘Law Abiding Citizen‘ and a follow up to ‘Plane‘ in the works.
s76Z6PI9uD4e73giwOoFC5
In his latest sequel, ‘Greenland 2: Migration‘, which is a follow up to 2020’s ‘Greenland‘, opens in theaters on January 9th.

In honor of the new remake, Moviefone has compiled a list of the 25 best Gerard Butler movies of all-time, including his latest.

Let’s begin!

Related Article: Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. Talk ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’

25. ‘Gamer‘ (2009)

Gerard Butler in ‘Gamer’. Photo: Lionsgate.

Mind-control technology has taken society by a storm, a multiplayer on-line game called “Slayers” allows players to control human prisoners in mass-scale. Simon (Logan Lerman) controls Kable (Butler), the online champion of the game. Kable’s ultimate challenge becomes regaining his identity and independence by defeating the game’s mastermind (Michael C. Hall).
30168

24. ‘Hunter Killer‘ (2018)

Captain Glass (Butler) of the USS Arkansas discovers that a coup d’état is taking place in Russia, so he and his crew join an elite group working on the ground to prevent a war.
BhdoUaNwGrJU3whi3sDQR2

23. ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life‘ (2003)

Lara Croft (Angelina Jolie) ventures to an underwater temple in search of the mythological Pandora’s Box but, after securing it, it is promptly stolen by the villainous leader of a Chinese crime syndicate. Lara must recover the box before the syndicate’s evil mastermind (Ciarán Hinds) uses it to construct a weapon of catastrophic capabilities.
14228

22. ‘Reign of Fire‘ (2002)

In post-apocalyptic England, an American volunteer (Matthew McConaughey) and a British survivor (Christian Bale) team up to fight off a brood of fire-breathing dragons seeking to return to global dominance after centuries of rest underground. The Brit — leading a clan of survivors to hunt down the King of the Dragons — has much at stake: His mother was killed by a dragon, but his love (Izabella Scorupco) is still alive.
11380

21. ‘Timeline‘ (2003)

A group of archaeological students (Butler, Paul Walker, and Frances O’Connor) become trapped in the past when they go there to retrieve their professor (Billy Connolly). The group must survive in 14th century France long enough to be rescued.
14034

20. ‘Greenland 2: Migration‘ (2026)

(L to R) Gerard Butler as John Garrity, Morena Baccarin as Allison Garrity, and Roman Griffin Davis as Nathan Garrity in ‘Greenland 2: Migration’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

Having found the safety of the Greenland bunker after the comet Clarke decimated the Earth, the Garrity family ( Butler, Morena Baccarin and Roman Griffin Davis) must now risk everything to embark on a perilous journey across the wasteland of Europe to find a new home.
kxa7tAxOT0rBP1wblAJg24 akMkSfcS

19. ‘The Bounty Hunter‘ (2010)

A revered bounty hunter’s (Butler) latest gig is rather satisfying, as his bail-skipper is his ex-wife (Jennifer Aniston), who has no intention of getting nabbed without a fight.
50263

18. ‘The Phantom of the Opera‘ (2004)

Deformed since birth, a bitter man known only as the Phantom (Butler) lives in the sewers underneath the Paris Opera House. He falls in love with the obscure chorus singer Christine (Emmy Rossum), and privately tutors her while terrorizing the rest of the opera house and demanding Christine be given lead roles. Things get worse when Christine meets back up with her childhood acquaintance Raoul (Patrick Wilson) and the two fall in love.
19465

17. ‘Greenland‘ (2020)

John Garrity (Butler), his estranged wife (Morena Baccarin) and their young son embark on a perilous journey to find sanctuary as a planet-killing comet hurtles toward Earth. Amid terrifying accounts of cities getting leveled, the Garritys experience the best and worst in humanity. As the countdown to the global apocalypse approaches zero, their incredible trek culminates in a desperate and last-minute flight to a possible safe haven.
E6fTlQpmhP4adDkRGUQ0L6

16. ‘Angel Has Fallen‘ (2019)

After a treacherous attack, Secret Service agent Mike Banning (Butler) is charged with attempting to assassinate President Trumbull (Morgan Freeman). Chased by his own colleagues and the FBI (Jada Pinkett Smith), Banning begins a race against the clock to clear his name.
kXbolb5Z87gCGxDeFpRfO4

15. ‘Machine Gun Preacher‘ (2011)

Gerard Butler in ‘Machine Gun Preacher’. Photo: Relativity Media.

The true story of Sam Childers (Butler), a former drug-dealing biker who finds God and became a crusader for hundreds of Sudanese children who’ve been kidnapped and pressed into duty as soldiers.
54388

14. ‘Copshop‘ (2021)

On the run from a lethal assassin, a wily con artist (Frank Grillo) devises a scheme to hide out inside a small-town police station. However, when the hit man (Butler) turns up at the precinct, an unsuspecting rookie cop (Alexis Louder) finds herself caught in the crosshairs.
YIEK6VBSSLSYgDHoi1cnL1

13. ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2‘ (2014)

Five years have passed since Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and Toothless (Randy Thom) united the dragons and Vikings of Berk. Now, they spend their time charting unmapped territories. During one of their adventures, the pair discover a secret cave that houses hundreds of wild dragons — and a mysterious dragon rider who turns out to be Hiccup’s mother, Valka (Cate Blanchett). Hiccup and Toothless then find themselves at the center of a battle to protect Berk from a power-hungry warrior named Drago (Djimon Hounsou).
10036818

12. ‘Coriolanus‘ (2012)

Caius Martius, aka Coriolanus (Ralph Fiennes), is an arrogant and fearsome general who has built a career on protecting Rome from its enemies. Pushed by his ambitious mother (Vanessa Redgrave) to seek the position of consul, Coriolanus is at odds with the masses and unpopular with certain colleagues. When a riot results in his expulsion from Rome, Coriolanus seeks out his sworn enemy, Tullus Aufidius (Butler). Together, the pair vow to destroy the great city.
54285

11. ‘Chasing Mavericks‘ (2012)

Surfer Jay Moriarity (Jonny Weston) sets out to ride the Northern California break known as Mavericks.
10072154

10. ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (2025)

Hiccup (Mason Thames) in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames) stands apart, defying centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.
6iSOkm8wH6ERhulOvteW45

9. ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera‘ (2025)

Big Nick (Butler) is back on the hunt in Europe and closing in on Donnie (O’Shea Jackson), who is embroiled in the treacherous and unpredictable world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s largest diamond exchange.
sLGPmVhVzbY5A4xaKcZem1

8. ‘London Has Fallen‘ (2016)

In London for the Prime Minister’s funeral, Mike Banning (Butler) discovers a plot to assassinate all the attending world leaders.
10132899

7. ‘RocknRolla‘ (2008)

When a Russian mobster (Karel Roden) sets up a real estate scam that generates millions of pounds, various members of London’s criminal underworld pursue their share of the fortune. Various shady characters, including Mr One-Two (Butler), Stella the accountant (Thandiwe Newton), and Johnny Quid (Toby Kebbell), a druggie rock-star, try to claim their slice.
30535

6. ‘Plane‘ (2023)

After a heroic job of successfully landing his storm-damaged aircraft in a war zone, a fearless pilot (Butler) finds himself between the agendas of multiple militias planning to take the plane and its passengers hostage.
s76Z6PI9uD4e73giwOoFC5

5. ‘300‘ (2007)

Gerard Butler in ‘300’. Photo: Warner Bros.

Based on Frank Miller‘s graphic novel and directed by Zack Snyder, ‘300’ is very loosely based the 480 B.C. Battle of Thermopylae, where the King of Sparta (Butler) led his army against the advancing Persians; the battle is said to have inspired all of Greece to band together against the Persians, and helped usher in the world’s first democracy.
23446

4. ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (2010)

As the son of a Viking leader on the cusp of manhood, shy Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (Jay Baruchel) faces a rite of passage: he must kill a dragon to prove his warrior mettle. But after downing a feared dragon, he realizes that he no longer wants to destroy it, and instead befriends the beast – which he names Toothless (Randy Thom) – much to the chagrin of his warrior father (Butler).
28118

3. ‘Olympus Has Fallen‘ (2013)

When the White House (Secret Service Code: “Olympus”) is captured by a terrorist mastermind and the President (Aaron Eckhart) is kidnapped, disgraced former Presidential guard Mike Banning (Butler) finds himself trapped within the building. As the national security team scrambles to respond, they are forced to rely on Banning’s inside knowledge to help retake the White House, save the President and avert an even bigger disaster.
60153

2. ‘Law Abiding Citizen‘ (2009)

A frustrated man (Butler) decides to take justice into his own hands after a plea bargain sets one of his family’s killers free. He targets not only the killer but also the district attorney (Jamie Foxx) and others involved in the deal.
36929

1. ‘Den of Thieves‘ (2018)

(L to R) Maurice Compte and Gerard Butler in ‘Den of Thieves’. Photo: STXfilms.

A gritty crime saga which follows the lives of an elite unit of the LA County Sheriff’s Dept. and the state’s most successful bank robbery crew as the outlaws plan a seemingly impossible heist on the Federal Reserve Bank.
r6BOZOw7NEOioTkFTZbh53

February 8, 2026
Cate Blanchett Joins Live-Action ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’
(Left) Cate Blanchett, Oscar® presenter, poses backstage during the live ABC Telecast of The 87th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Credit/Provider: Mark Suban / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S. (Right) Hiccup (Mason Thames) in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Preview:
- Cate Blanchett will play Viking warrior Valka in ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2.’
- She’s reprising her role from the animated adventures.
- Dean DeBlois is once more writing and directing.
Cate Blanchett is ready to hang with dragons once more.

The actor is becoming the second person from the animated ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ franchise to reprise their voice role in live-action, following Gerard Butler.

Blanchett will join Butler and the rest in ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2,’ which is following last year’s first adaptation.
SAKDgE4gqUqLOpkOJFX843
Franchise overseer Dean DeBlois, who wrote and directed that first live-action entry is back pulling double duty again for this new one.

Related Article: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Home Entertainment Release Exclusive Interviews

What’s the story of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’?

Mason Thames (right) as Hiccup with his Night Fury dragon, Toothless, in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Based, like the animated movies, on Cressida Cowell’s books, the stories follow young Viking Hiccup (Mason Thames), who goes against his society’s dragon-battling ways when he befriends one called Toothless.

The second instalment will continue Hiccup’s adventures. Blanchett’s Valka is the long-lost mother of Hiccup, and wife of Viking leader Stoick the Vast (Butler, who also appeared in the first live-action movie).

In addition to Thames, Butler and now Blanchett, Nico Parker, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn will all appear in the sequel.

Where else can we see Cate Blanchett?

(L to R) Cate Blanchett and Bradley Cooper in ‘Nightmare Alley’. Photo: Searchlight Pictures.

Blanchett last year starred in Steven Soderbergh’s critically acclaimed espionage thriller ‘Black Bag,’ whose cast also included Michael Fassbender, Marisa Abela and Naomie Harris. She was part of the ensemble of ‘Father Mother Sister Brother,’ Jim Jarmusch’s drama that premiered at the Venice Film Festival and where it won the Golden Lion.

And she had a cameo in the final episode of Netflix series ‘Squid Game. ’

She has a few movies either in development or headed our way, including new drama ‘Sweetsick’ and sci-fi comedy ‘Alpha Gang.’ And Blanchett is a producer on a comedy called ‘Peaches.’

When will ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ be in theaters?

Universal Pictures has already scheduled the sequel for a June 11, 2027 release date.

Which isn’t all that surprising, given that the first live-action movie earned $636 million worldwide.

Stoick (Gerard Butler) and Hiccup (Mason Thames) in Universal Pictures’ live- action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Other Movies Similar to ‘How to Train Your Dragon:’
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (2010)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2‘ (2014)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World‘ (2019)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming‘ (2019)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (2025)
Buy ‘How to Train your Dragon’ Movies On Amazon
January 16, 2026
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025) Home Entertainment Interviews
wDSveknz
Available on digital July 15th and on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray August 12th is the live action remake and box office smash ‘How to Train Your Dragon’.

Directed by original franchise filmmaker Dean DeBlois, the film stars Gerard Butler (‘Den of Thieves’) reprising his role as Stoick, as well as new cast members Mason Thames (‘The Black Phone’), Nico Parker (‘Dumbo’), and Nick Frost (‘Shaun of the Dead’).

Related Article: Movie Review: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025)

(L to R) 2025’s ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ director Dean DeBlois, and actors Nico Parker and Mason Thames.

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of traveling to Oslo, Norway, home of the Vikings, to speak exclusively with writer and director Dean DeBlois, as well as young actors Mason Thames and Nico Parker about their work on 2025’s ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ and the home entertainment release.

DeBlois discussed adapting his own animated movie into live action, the design of the dragons, and deleted scenes, while Thames and Parker talked about joining the beloved franchise, their experience working with DeBlois and Gerard Butler, and the home release’s gag reel.

You can read our full interviews below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews.

(from left) Writer-Director Dean DeBlois (left), Gabriel Howell (center) and Nico Parker (right) on the set of Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Moviefone: To begin with, Dean, can you talk about the challenges of remaking a live action version of your own animated movie?

Dean DeBlois: Well, I think the biggest challenge is I’m very close to it, so the benefit I think, is the distance. It was 15 years ago. I tend never to watch movies that I’ve worked on again. By the time we get through the whole process of mixing and coloring it and putting it out in the world, I’m kind of done. So, I had the benefit of sense memory of the movie and then revisiting the script and looking for opportunities where we could go deeper with character relationships or with mythology and leaning into even more so into the aesthetic of live action. I think those were all directions that were set in place from the very beginning. So, it meant revisiting old material through a new lens.

MF: Mason, what was it like for you to join this franchise and bring the character of Hiccup to life in live action?

Mason Thames: I mean, Hiccup is a character that means so much to me. He’s always meant so much to me, so it’s kind of a factor of going into it that, what can I do differently? But also keep the character the same and respect what Jay (Baruchel) did, and Hiccup’s sarcasm, his wittiness, and his kind of awkward loneliness is something that makes him Hiccup. But going into it, me and Dean had a lot of time to talk about new colors that we wanted to explore. So, it was fun.

(from left) Astrid (Nico Parker) and Hiccup (Mason Thames) in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

MF: Nico, were you a fan of the franchise before making this film and what was it like for you to step into this incredible world Dean has created?

Nico Parker: Yes. Me and Mason both were huge fans of the animated movies. Such a huge fan. I feel like anyone in our age demographic grew up with these movies and so to get to be a part of it is amazing. I remember even just in the audition process meeting Dean and, regardless of getting the part or anything, just meeting Dean was entirely surreal because this is a person who has so much responsibility in something that has been such a huge part of my childhood. There’s something kind of strange about meeting someone that has that kind of weight in your life. But he is just the loveliest and such a brilliant director and a wonderful person. So, to get to be here and doing all of this is kind of still constantly a pinch-me moment, but is very exciting. He’s literally the best person on the planet.

MF: Mason, what was it like for you collaborating with Dean on set?

MT: Dean is my favorite human being ever. He’s like, the sweetest. No, genuinely. You just want to hug him all the time and it’s like, “Oh, personal space, Mason, remember”. But he genuinely is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and such a fantastic director and filmmaker and artist. I love him so much and I trust him, which is something I value so much. He’s great.

Hiccup (Mason Thames) in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

MF: Dean, can you talk about the deleted scenes available on the home entertainment release and why those scenes didn’t make the final cut?

DD: The two deleted scenes that we included are “Beach Break”, which is the moment that follows “Test Drive”. So, when Hiccup and Toothless are up flying in the clouds, they become detached and then reattach and fly on intuition. In the animated movie, there’s a scene where they’re now taking a break, just kind of relaxing, cooking some fish, and they get accosted by Terrible Terrors who try to steal the fish. It’s a moment where Hiccup realizes A, dragons aren’t so fireproof on the inside and B, everything we know about them is wrong. We had our live action version of that. We shot it, but we found in the edit, it was in an area of the movie where you could feel the lag, and something was weighing it down. So experimentally, we tried snipping that out thinking we’re kind of telling that story anyway with other scenes and just visually through the narrative, and it survived without it. So, it allowed the pace to increase, but it also just allowed us to move on. Another one is where Astrid almost catches Hiccup red-handed at night in the blacksmith stall with Toothless. Similar, it’s a cute little moment, nice little interaction, but at the end of the day, no real new information was being given to the audience and it helped with the overall pacing to remove it.

MF: Nico, I understand that there will also be a gag reel on the home entertainment release. How much fun was it being on the set, and was it hard not to laugh in between scenes?

NP: It was. I mean, Mason’s so funny, and all the recruits are so funny, and the crew is so funny. I can’t even believe that we made a cohesive movie with how much everyone was laughing. I remember the first time going into the arena. I remember, we turned to Mason and everyone started being like, “Who let you in?” Like belittling him, and I remember they were shooting from behind Mason’s head and the whole time everyone was so funny. Harry (Trevaldwyn) is so funny, Gabe (Howell) is so funny, and Julian (Dennison). Everyone’s so funny. I honestly am surprised that we even had a movie at the end of it because of how much we were breaking.

Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

MF: Dean, can you talk about the design of the dragons, particularly Toothless? Did you want them to look like the animated versions, or more realistic?

DD: Both. We wanted to try to keep the overall silhouettes and coloring and personality traits, certainly from the animated movie, and migrate them into a more naturalistic photoreal world where these creatures feel like they could have been part of our animal kingdom. So, I think in every case, except for Toothless, we were able to go back much more to the animal references, whether it was a crocodile or a tropical bird or a big walrus or so on and so forth. But I think when it came to Toothless, he’s meant to be a black panther meets a salamander, but the more we went toward black panther, the more we were losing his character. So, we found that we had to keep the big eyes and the big mouth and the ear plates as part of his personality.

MF: What was it like working with Gerard Butler again and watching him bring his animated character to life in live action?

DD: Well, I think when Gerard Butler was finally able to join us, because at first, he couldn’t do it due to his own schedule, I had such a breath of relief because I know Gerry well even off camera. So, I think we just have this free-flowing energy between us, and I credit him as co-creator of the character. He brought so much to it, the emotion, the nuance, the arc, even in the animated form. So being able to hand that to him and then let him use all his physicality, everything he can bring to the camera as an actor, embodying Stoick with all this mass and that costume. I knew it was going to be great from the start. He completely delivers. He’s a force of nature.

Gerard Butler in ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

MF: Finally, Mason, what was your experience like acting opposite Gerard Butler on this movie?

MT: He’s very funny, but what I love about him is, the energy he brings to set. I mean, he is Stoick the Vast, through and through. Nobody else could play that character like him. When he gets on set and he brings this raw energy to each scene, and whenever we’re in that room, it’s Stoick and Hiccup. Running through the scene repeatedly, it really brings something to it. He’s so amazing and such an incredible actor that I love him so much. But in between takes and stuff, we all joke around and he’s a prankster.
6iSOkm8wH6ERhulOvteW45
What’s the story of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025)?

As an ancient threat endangers both Vikings and dragons alike on the isle of Berk, the friendship between Hiccup, an inventive Viking, and Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, becomes the key to both species forging a new future together.

Who is in the cast of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025)?
- Mason Thames as Hiccup
- Nico Parker as Astrid
- Gerard Butler as Stoick
- Nick Frost as Gobber
- Gabriel Howell as Snotlout
- Julian Dennison as Fishlegs
- Bronwyn James as Ruffnut
- Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut
- Murray McArthur as Hoark
- Peter Serafinowicz as Spitelout
2025’s ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ will be available to own at home beginning July 15th.

Exclusive Bonus Features When Purchasing at Participating Retailers:
- Deleted Scenes with Introductions by Writer/Director Dean DeBlois
- Gag Reel
- Love and Legacy: Making ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ – Go behind the scenes to see how the beloved characters and intricate fantasy world were brought to the live-action medium.
- Building Berk – Walk onto the set of ‘How To Train Your Dragon‘ and take in the scale, detail, and heart that went into building Berk.
- Dreaming Up the Dragons – A glimpse at the technology, artistry, and imagination involved in bringing life-like dragons to the screen.
- Fit for a Viking – Witness the elaborate transformations the cast made to embody the Vikings we see in the film.
- Forbidden Friendship with Introductions by Writer/Director Dean DeBlois – Watch Mason Thames perform the full Forbidden Friendship sequence with a puppeteer in the early stages of creating one of the film’s most iconic scenes.
- Test Drive with Introduction by Writer/Director Dean DeBlois – Hold on tight as we join Hiccup on his first flight with Toothless, and see the various elements that came together to construct the thrilling scene.
- Exploring the Isle of Berk at Epic Universe – Explore ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ – Isle of Berk and discover an island where Vikings and fire-breathing dragons exist together in harmony.
- Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Dean DeBlois
Buy Tickets: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025) Movie Showtimes

Buy ‘How to Train your Dragon’ Movies On Amazon
July 15, 2025
‘Superman’ Flies High at the US Box Office
(L to R) Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor and David Corenswet as ‘Superman’, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jessica Miglio. Copyright: © 2025 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.

Preview:
- ‘Superman’ is off to a strong start at the domestic box office.
- James Gunn’s movie earned $122 million, the third biggest launch of the year to date.
- But ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ took a chunk out of its earnings overseas.
One of the catchy taglines for Richard Donner’s 1978 movie ‘Superman’ was, “you’ll believe a man can fly.” For writer/director James Gunn and the latest cinematic iteration of the famous comic book character, also titled ‘Superman’, a new one might be “you’ll believe a man can fly to the top of the box office charts.”
OT00arSyAacXCGscjvNND4
It appears that the big bet by Gunn –– who also runs Warner Bros.’ DC Studios arm overseeing the various properties spawned by the comic book behemoth, and intended ‘Superman’ as his theatrical calling card –– is paying off.

The movie, starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult, earned $122 million at the box office, marking the third-biggest launch this year after ‘A Minecraft Movie’ (another success for the newly resurgent WB and Disney’s live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch’).

Reviews for the movie were mixed to generally positive and audiences gave the movie a solid grade, which bodes well for this one to keep on flying, even with Marvel’s ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ a couple of weeks away from launch.

Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Superman’

How did ‘Superman’ perform internationally?

(L to R) Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Skylar Gisondo as Jimmy and David Corenswet as Clark Kent in DC Studios’ and Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Superman’, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The global market might be where ‘Superman’ faltered slightly, not because of any Kryptonite, but because of ‘Jurassic World Rebirth.’

Universal’s latest iteration of its successful dinosaur franchise held on to screens and audience interest, and ‘Superman’ had to make do with a softer-than-expected $95 million global launch.

Top-earning territories for the superhero were the United Kingdom with $9.8 million, Mexico with $8.8 million, Brazil with $5.9 million and Australia with $5.3 million. The movie bombed in China, earning just $6.6 million in its opening weekend. By comparison, ‘Rebirth’ opened last weekend in China with $25 million.

‘Superman’ needs to keep performing to offset its $225 million budget and the roughly $100 million spent to promote it.

Here’s what FranchiseRe movie consulting firm’s David A. Gross said about the movie’s performance so far:

“This is an outstanding domestic opening. If there’s any softness here, it’s overseas. Superman has always been identified as an American character, and in some parts of the world, America is currently not enjoying its greatest popularity.”

Understatement of year, perhaps?

David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, was also enthused by the movie’s performance and praised its overseer:

“Three years ago, I hired James Gunn and Peter Safran to reimagine and unify the creative direction of DC under one leadership team, by breathing new life and excitement into one of the most iconic storytelling franchises in the world. James and Peter’s commitment to honoring the legacy of the DC Universe while forging something new and enthralling is inspired. This weekend, we watched Superman soar as James Gunn’s passion and vision came to life on the big screen. Superman is just the first step. Over the next year alone, DC Studios will introduce the films ‘Supergirl’ and ‘Clayface’ in theaters and the series ‘Lanterns’ on HBO Max, all part of a bold 10-year plan. The DC vision is clear, the momentum is real, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”

What else happened at the box office this weekend?

(L to R) Luna Blaise and the T-Rex in ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, directed by Gareth Edwards. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Even given its success overseas, ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ suffered a considerable reduction domestically this weekend, adding $40 million from 4,324 venues in its second weekend of release, a painful 57% drop from its debut.

Yet Universal won’t be worrying too much just yet, as the movie has so far sunk its teeth into a mighty $232 million domestically and $529 million worldwide.

Third across the finishing line was Apple’s ‘F1’ (distributed theatrical by Warner Bros.) The sports drama anchored by Brad Pitt as a down-on-his-luck racer recruited by a Formula 1 team, earned $13 million from 3,412 theaters in its third lap around the track, marking a 50% decline from the prior weekend.

It has so far earned $136 million in North America and $393 million worldwide, which is solid but it’ll need to keep on making money to offset a hefty $250 million budget (before marketing costs). The movie has, at least, become Apple’s biggest theatrical hit to date by far.

Fourth place went to DreamWorks’ live-action remake of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, which collected $7.8 million from 3,285 theaters. It has so far taken in $239 million domestically and $560 million globally.

Finally, in fifth place, Disney/Pixar’s ‘Elio’ continued to be a disappointment. It made $4 million from 2,730 screens in its fourth weekend. The intergalactic tale has grossed just $63 million in North America and finally surpassed the $100 million mark globally after a month of release. With $117 million in worldwide ticket sales, the $150 million-budgeted tentpole will end its theatrical run as a major money loser for the companies.

What’s the future for DC Studios?

As mentioned above, Gunn and Safran already have plans in place for an interconnected series of movies and TV series, with the likes of ‘Supergirl’, ‘Clayface’ and HBO Max series ‘Lanterns’ at different stages of production, and more in the development chute beyond that.

Milly Alcock on the set of ‘Supergirl’. Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram account.

List of Movies and TV Shows Featuring Superman:
- ‘Adventures of Superman‘ (1952 – 1958)
- ‘Superman‘ (1978)
- ‘Superman II‘ (1981)
- ‘Superman III‘ (1983)
- ‘Superman IV: The Quest for Peace‘ (1987)
- ‘Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman‘ (1993 – 1997)
- ‘Justice League‘ (2001 – 2004)
- ‘Smallville‘ (2001 – 2011)
- ‘Justice League Unlimited‘ (2004 – 2006)
- ‘Superman Returns‘ (2006)
- ‘All Star Superman‘ (2011)
- ‘Man of Steel‘ (2013)
- ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice‘ (2016)
- ‘Justice League‘ (2017)
- ‘Superman & Lois‘ (2021 – 2023)
- ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League‘ (2021)
- ‘DC League of Super-Pets‘ (2022)
- ‘Peacemaker‘ (2022)
- ‘Black Adam‘ (2022)
- ‘My Adventures with Superman‘ (2023 – 2024)
- ‘The Flash‘ (2023)
- ‘Creature Commandos‘ (2024)
- ‘Superman‘ (2025)
Buy Tickets: ‘Superman’ Movie Showtimes

Buy Superman Movies On Amazon
SP95pQiY
July 14, 2025
‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ Feasts on the Box Office
A scene from ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, directed by Gareth Edwards. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Preview:
- ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ has taken a sizeable chunk out of the domestic box office.
- Gareth Edwards’ movie earned more than $317 million globally.
- ‘F1: The Movie’ was pushed to second place on the grid.
It would seem that audiences aren’t quite as over dinosaurs as ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ itself feared.

A hefty part of the early storyline for the new ‘Jurassic’ offering talks about how the giant beasts are seemingly unable to survive in the present-day client and that humanity, once enthralled by the reconstituted giants, is now more annoyed by the likes of an escaped example in New York slowly dying because it’s messing with the morning commute.
iDV9ECfrlJVXq7MAkRW8k1
But the new movie has clearly struck a chord with audiences, who turned out in droves to see it this past holiday weekend, notching $91.5 million over the three-day weekend, and thanks to an early Wednesday release to take advantage of Independence Day holiday filmgoing, it took $147.3 million over its first five days.

Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’

How did ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ fare internationally?

(L to R) Luna Blaise and the T-Rex in ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, directed by Gareth Edwards. Photo: Universal Pictures.

‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ played well to audiences around the world. Opening in 82 markets, it earned $171 million outside the States, which, combined with its domestic total, put it at $318 million for this initial weekend.

The likes of China, the UK and Mexico were the big performers.

But how does ‘Rebirth’ compare to other ‘Jurassic World’ offerings?

Scarlett Johansson as skilled covert operations expert Zora Bennett in ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, directed by Gareth Edwards. Photo: Universal Pictures.

That’s where the story looks a little less successful.

The numbers for ‘Rebirth’ are certainly impressive taken on their own, but compared to the most recent trilogy of dino-outings, it’s coming up short.

After five days on the big screen, 2015’s ‘Jurassic World’ had collected $258 million, 2018’s ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ had generated $181 million and the pandemic-impacted ‘Jurassic World Dominion’ had earned $172 million in 2022.

The new movie cost $180 million to produce, not including a hefty marketing budget, which admittedly is a smaller figure than the previous three (one benefit of having Gareth Edwards, a man who know how to deliver effects spectacle on lower budgets, in the director’s chair). It may not need to hit a billion to be profitable, but Universal will certainly hope it gets there (or close), given that the other ‘World’ movies all crossed the benchmark.

Add to that the pressure for ‘Rebirth’ to spawn a new trilogy of its own. This is certainly a solid start –– now we see whether this thing has legs.

Here’s David A. Gross, of the FranchiseRe movie consulting firm on the film’ success:

“The series has been especially good overseas and, so far, foreign business is outstanding. Dinosaur action is understood in all languages and across all cultures.”

This was Universal’s president of domestic distribution Jim Orr celebrating its success:

“ ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ is exactly what audiences want to see in a summer blockbuster: a great cast, great direction and great visuals. Word of mouth is phenomenal, which points to a great run throughout the summer.”

What else happened at the box office this weekend?

Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes in Apple Original Films’ ‘F1’, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Photo by Scott Garfield. Courtesy Warner Bros Pictures / Apple Original Films. Copyright: © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

With ‘Rebirth’ as the weekend’s only new wide release (no one wanted to go up against the return of the dinosaurs, even via counter-programming), the success of the film shoved the competition down a space or two.

‘F1: The Movie’, which stars Brad Pitt as a skilled yet down-on-his-luck racing driver recruited to be part of a Formula One team, was a distant second, taking home $26.1 million from 3,732 venues in its second weekend of release.

The movie, which has made $109 million in North America and $293.6 million worldwide after 10 days in theaters, has officially surpassed director Ridley Scott’s 2023 historical epic ‘Napoleon’ ($221 million) as Apple’s highest-grossing movie.

That is perhaps not as impressive as it might seem given the company’s low level of output so far and underperforming theatrical releases. But it’s still a boost.

Even with a solid take so far, ‘F1’ will need to stay on track significantly, as it cost $250 million to make, let alone market.

In third, the live-action adaptation of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ earned $9.7 million domestically. The movie has so far taken $224 million domestically and $516 million globally to date.

(L to R) Yonas Kibreab and Shirley Henderson in ‘Elio’. Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Adrian Molina, and produced by Mary Alice Drumm, Disney and Pixar’s ‘Elio’ releases in theaters June 20, 2025. © 2024 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Fourth was the fellow family friendly Pixar offering ‘Elio’, about a kid mistaken for an ambassador for Earth by aliens, continues to hugely underperform. It fell to fourth place with $4.9 million from 3,235 theaters in its third week of release. The intergalactic adventure has earned just $54 million in North America and $96 million globally, and is shaping up to be among Pixar’s lowest-grossing movies.

At fifth place we find ‘28 Years Later’ with $4.6 million from 2,917 venues, a 53% drop from last weekend. After three weekends on the big screen, the horror sequel has amassed $60.2 million domestically and $125.8 million globally against a $60 million budget.

Follow-up ‘The Bone Temple’ is due in January. Has the first film done well enough to crack open Sony’s wallet for funding of planned third movie? Time will tell!

What’s the future for the ‘Jurassic World’ franchise?

Though no formal plans have been announced, Universal and Amblin are, as mentioned previously, hoping this will lead to a new trilogy.

Whether that means with the surviving characters of ‘Rebirth’ or a completely new dino adventure remains to be seen. But the franchise certainly still has some teeth at the box office.

Scarlett Johansson is Zora Bennett in ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, directed by Gareth Edwards. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Other Movies in the ‘Jurassic Park’ Franchise:
- ‘Jurassic Park‘ (1993)
- ‘The Lost World: Jurassic Park‘ (1997)
- ‘Jurassic Park III‘ (2001)
- ‘Jurassic World‘ (2015)
- ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom‘ (2018)
- ‘Jurassic World Dominion‘ (2022)
Buy Tickets: ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ Movie Showtimes

Buy ‘Jurassic Park’ Movies On Amazon
52IMk3HW
July 7, 2025
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Soars at the Box Office
Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Preview:
- The new ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ is a roaring success so far.
- Dean DeBlois’ film has earned more than $197 million globally.
- Disney’s own live-action conversion of ‘Lilo & Stitch’ fell to second place.
Looks like audiences were very ready to visit the island of Berk again.

Or perhaps the term should truly be re-visit, since the new ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ a live-action re-imagining of the 2010 animated adventure, is essentially that movie told over again.

Still, audiences embraced it to the tune of $83 million at the domestic box office.
6iSOkm8wH6ERhulOvteW45
The new movie, written and directed by Dean DeBlois (who co-wrote and directed the animated original before taking on its two follow-ups), has been a big success for DreamWorks and Universal, which dipped a toe (a claw, perhaps?) into the animated-to-live-action conversion following years of Disney doing the same.

Related Article: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’: An Entertaining Copy of the Original Movie

How did the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ live-action movie do elsewhere at the box office?

(from left) Hiccup (Mason Thames) and Astrid (Nico Parker) in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

‘How to Train Your Dragon’ wasn’t just successful here.

It collected $114 million while landing in 81 overseas markets, ranking as the No. 1 movie at the international box office, and $197.8 million globally. Top territories include Mexico with $14 million, the UK and Ireland with $11.2 million and China with $11.2 million.

Here’s Universal’s domestic distribution chief Jim Orr on the success of the movie:

“Our filmmaker Dean DeBlois created an incredible tale with heart, action and emotion. Multiple generations are in love with it. With our audience scores, I can only believe we are going to have a long run throughout the summer.”

And this was ComScore analyst Paul Dergarabedian on one reason for it:

“PG has become the goldilocks of ratings, one that indicates a film is appropriate for kids but still has enough edge to appeal to young adults, teens and more mature moviegoers. This is certainly a trend that should carry over to ‘Elio,’ ‘Smurfs’ and ‘The Bad Guys 2,’ which are yet to come on the summer movie slate.”

It’s a success story, since the movie cost $150 million to make and an additional $100 million to market, but assuming it has legs at the box office, it’ll easily make some profit.

What else happened at the box office this weekend?

(L to R) Maia Kealoha as Lilo, Stitch and Sydney Agudong as Nani in Disney’s live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch’. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2025 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This weekend’s new arrival deposed the previous box office champ, Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’, another example of a movie that was re-imagined in live-action from an animated original.

In a distant second place, the other remake has collected $15.5 million in its fourth weekend of release.

The company won’t be too worried, though, as the movie is already a blockbuster with $366 million domestically and $858 million globally. It’s on track to be the year’s first billion dollar release.

The weekend’s other major wide release, A24’s ‘Materialists,’ launched at No. 3 with a promising $12 million from 2,844 venues.

Though it was met with a mixed audience reception, the film launched above projections that had been sitting around $8 million to $10 million.

Directed by Celine Song in her follow-up to the Oscar-nominated ‘Past Lives,’ the movie follows a New York City matchmaker (Dakota Johnson) who finds herself in a love triangle with a wealthy suitor (Pedro Pascal) and an imperfect ex (Chris Evans).

A24 spent $20 million on the film, not including marketing fees.

(L to R) Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal in ‘Materialists’. Credit: Atsushi Nishijima.

Fourth place went to Paramount’s ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ with $10.3 million in its fourth week of release, declining 31% from the prior weekend.

The eighth entry in the Tom Cruise-starring action franchise has amassed $166.3 million in North America and $506 million worldwide to date.

Against its massive $400 million budget (partly the impact of covid and other delays), though, ‘The Final Reckoning’ doesn’t have the strength to climb out of the red in its initial theatrical run.

The ‘John Wick’ spin-off ‘Ballerina’ rounded out the top five.

The film earned $9.4 million from 3,409 theaters in its second weekend of release, a 62% decline from its debut. So far, the movie has generated $41.8 million domestically and $91.5 million globally, hardly punching above its weight for the franchise.

What’s the future for the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ live-action franchise?

Even before this movie was released, DreamWorks and Universal were clearly enthused, as a sequel has already been ordered, with a date set for June 11th, 2027.

Given the response to this one, it certainly looks like cinemagoers will be back for it.

Mason Thames (right) as Hiccup with his Night Fury dragon, Toothless, in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Other Movies Similar to ‘How to Train Your Dragon:’
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (2010)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2‘ (2014)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World‘ (2019)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming‘ (2019)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (2025)
Buy Tickets: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025) Movie Showtimes

Buy ‘How to Train your Dragon’ Movies On Amazon
0DalsIPz
June 16, 2025
Every ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Movie and TV Show, Ranked

Hiccup (Mason Thames) in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Everyone loves dragons!

2010’s ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ became so popular that it has spawned two sequels, a two TV series, several specials and now, opening in theaters on June 13th, a live-action remake starring Gerard Butler reposing his role form the original.

In fact, before the new film is released, Universal Pictures has already announced a sequel to the live-action remake, which is scheduled for release on June 11th, 2027.
SAKDgE4gqUqLOpkOJFX843
In honor of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025), Moviefone is counting down every move and TV show in the popular franchise, including the live-action remake.

Let’s begin!

10. ‘Dragons: Rescue Riders: Secrets of the Songwing‘ (2020)

‘DreamWorks Dragons: Rescue Riders’. Photo: DreamWorks Animation.

When a musical dragon with a beautiful voice hypnotizes the dragons and people of Huttsgalor, the Rescue Riders have to find a way to break the spell.

ONJGMk2WoBiBvZKW9VbZ1

9. ‘How to Train Your Dragon: Snoggletog Log‘ (2019)

‘How to Train Your Dragon: Snoggletog Log’. Photo: DreamWorks Animation.

When Hiccup and Toothless begin sharing stories of their special relationship with their respective families as they prepare for the Snoggletog Festival, it quickly becomes clear that the new generation of Vikings don’t remember the bond between dragon and human.
cltBqfExr8ggdWHeGD3725

8. ‘How to Train Your Dragon: Legends‘ (2010)

Unlock the secrets of the Dragon Eye and come face to face with more dragons than anyone has ever imagined as Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), Toothless and the Dragon Riders soar to the edge of adventure.
ZXw5GbENy5rHKfDpHO2r04

7. ‘How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming‘ (2019)

‘How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming’. Photo: DreamWorks Animation.

It’s been ten years since the dragons moved to the Hidden World, and even though Toothless doesn’t live in New Berk anymore, Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) continues the holiday traditions he once shared with his best friend. But the Vikings of New Berk were beginning to forget about their friendship with dragons. Hiccup, Astrid (America Ferrera), and Gobber (Craig Ferguson) know just what to do to keep the dragons in the villagers’ hearts. And across the sea, the dragons have a plan of their own…
23szxifbjh58zKH5KAlhR

6. ‘Dragons: Race to the Edge‘ (2015 – 2018)

‘Dawn of the Dragon Racers’. Photo: DreamWorks Animation.

Unlock the secrets of the Dragon Eye and come face to face with more dragons than anyone has ever imagined as Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), Toothless and the Dragon Riders soar to the edge of adventure.
noe695ZUuKVm3KKGgDILM5

5. ‘DreamWorks Dragons‘ (2012 – 2014)

‘DreamWorks Dragons’. Photo: DreamWorks Animation.

From the creators of “How to Train Your Dragon” comes a new series that takes Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and Toothless to the edge of adventure.
s0jJgNjZBOsYxkE8j9NgB1

4. ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2‘ (2014)

‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’. Photo: DreamWorks Animation.

Five years have passed since Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and Toothless united the dragons and Vikings of Berk. Now, they spend their time charting unmapped territories. During one of their adventures, the pair discover a secret cave that houses hundreds of wild dragons — and a mysterious dragon rider. Hiccup and Toothless find themselves at the center of a battle to protect Berk from a power-hungry warrior.
10036818

3. ‘How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World‘ (2019)

‘How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World’. Photo: DreamWorks Animation.

As Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) fulfills his dream of creating a peaceful dragon utopia, Toothless’ discovery of an untamed, elusive mate draws the Night Fury away. When danger mounts at home and Hiccup’s reign as village chief is tested, both dragon and rider must make impossible decisions to save their kind.
20085119

2. ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (2025)

Gerard Butler in ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames) stands apart, defying centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.
BiMKoSSlTdWFKqnpsRQ42

1. ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (2010)

2010’s ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. Photo: DreamWorks Animation.

As the son of a Viking leader on the cusp of manhood, shy Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (Jay Baruchel) faces a rite of passage: he must kill a dragon to prove his warrior mettle. But after downing a feared dragon, he realizes that he no longer wants to destroy it, and instead befriends the beast – which he names Toothless – much to the chagrin of his warrior father.
28118

June 15, 2025
Movie Review: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025)
Mason Thames (right) as Hiccup with his Night Fury dragon, Toothless, in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025) receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.

Opening in theaters on June 13th is ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ which looks to re-imagine the 2010 DreamWorks Animation title as a blend of live-action and CG creatures.

With Gerard Butler (‘Den of Thieves’) reprising his role as Viking chief Stoick, the new movie also features Mason Thames (‘The Black Phone’), Nick Frost (‘Shaun of the Dead’), Nico Parker (‘Dumbo’), Gabriel Howell (‘Bodies’) and Julian Dennison (‘Deadpool 2’).

Related Article: Gerard Butler to Appear in Live-Action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’

Initial Thoughts

(from left) Astrid (Nico Parker) and Hiccup (Mason Thames) in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Disney has turned the conversion of its animated back catalogue into something of a cottage industry, one that has proved profitable for the most part –– a few misses aside, but with a recent mega-hit in ‘Lilo & Stitch.’

So, somewhat naturally, DreamWorks is going the same route, dusting off a classic from its animation arm’s shelf and giving it a coat of live-action (with the usual CG enhancements) paint.

But even with original co-writer and co-director Dean DeBlois aboard to shepherd it, can this re-envisioned trip to the island of Berk succeed to the same degree as the original, 2010 ‘How to Train Your Dragon’?

Script and Direction

(from left) Writer-Director Dean DeBlois (left), Gabriel Howell (center) and Nico Parker (right) on the set of Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

DeBlois, who launched the original franchise alongside Chris Sanders and then effectively took it over for two other movies, is back here in full charge. And, at least for the most part, he’s going the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” route.

Which in itself is both blessing and curse. This is, once again, the story of inventive young Viking Hiccup (voiced in the original by Jay Baruchel and here played in live form by Mason Thames), who is the son of powerful chief Stoick (Gerard Butler, reprising the role he brought to vocal life). An awkward dreamer, Hiccup wants nothing else but to impress his dad by slaying a dragon, and proving himself in the eyes of the village, which faces endless issues with the marauding reptiles.

Hiccup, largely considered a joke by the other local teams finally manages to down a dragon –– a legendary, mysterious Night Fury, only to discover that things are not exactly what they seem, as the dragons have their reasons for hostility, and the creature he’s encountered soon becomes a friend, one he names Toothless.

Hiccup (Mason Thames) in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

This new movie really is, for the most part, a copy and paste of that 2010 offering, which is not really a bad thing per se, since the first ‘Dragon’ was an emotional and stylish thrill ride with a fine line in comedy.

Keeping to the template, the 2025 example makes tiny tweaks to the narrative, including a little more for Astrid (here played by Nico Parker, inheriting a role played vocally by America Ferrera) to do and some positive nods towards diversity by re-positioning the Viking society as part of a global effort to combat the perceived dragon threat.

And that could well be a winning formula, though the changes that ‘Lilo & Stitch’ made to its own story, while seemingly controversial to some, haven’t hurt its box office results. There was scope to do something a little fresher with Hiccup and Toothless’ adventure, but for the most part, that option wasn’t taken.

As director, DeBlois does a solid joke, helped by a good cast and the cinematography skills of Bill Pope, who helps the island locales (film in Ireland) and the rocky Dragon’s Nest come to vibrant life.

The effects team is also to be congratulated for bottling what makes Toothless work in animated form in his live-action doppelganger –– though once more by sticking closer to the original.

Cast and Performances

(from left) Hiccup (Mason Thames) and Stoick (Gerard Butler) in Universal Pictures’ live- action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Butler throws himself into the role of Stoick, and finds more than simple bluster and bravado as he did last time. In his and DeBlois’ hands, he’s a more complicated character, a father dealing with the loss of his wife and hoping against hope that his son will grow into something more like himself.

Thames ably fills the role of that son, and his Hiccup channels plenty of the energy of the cartoon version.

Parker, boosted by the minor changes to her character, is a winning Astrid, finding her own nuance.

Nick Frost is swapped in to replace Craig Ferguson as blacksmith Gobber, and while his role is different than the crankier Ferguson version, it’s perhaps a little less memorable. But still, perfectly watchable.

Everyone else is either an archetype or a tiny supporting role, but there are some good moments from Julian Dennison as dragon fact aficionado Fishlegs, while Gabriel Howell is a solidly arrogant Snotlout.

Final Thoughts

(from left) Hiccup (Mason Thames) and Astrid (Nico Parker) in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Was there a compelling reason to remake ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ other than to squeeze more value out of the franchise? Honestly, not really –– this is a true “grab the audience that grew up with the original, and have them bring their own children” play.

But when the result is a solidly enjoyable as this one, we’re quite happy to give it a pass. And try to keep a dry eye when Toothless is in danger!
6iSOkm8wH6ERhulOvteW45
What’s the story of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025)?

As an ancient threat endangers both Vikings and dragons alike on the isle of Berk, the friendship between Hiccup, an inventive Viking, and Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, becomes the key to both species forging a new future together.

Who is in the cast of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025)?
- Mason Thames as Hiccup
- Nico Parker as Astrid
- Gerard Butler as Stoick
- Nick Frost as Gobber
- Gabriel Howell as Snotlout
- Julian Dennison as Fishlegs
- Bronwyn James as Ruffnut
- Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut
- Murray McArthur as Hoark
- Peter Serafinowicz as Spitelout
Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Other Movies Similar to ‘How to Train Your Dragon:’
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (2010)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2‘ (2014)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World‘ (2019)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming‘ (2019)
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon – Legends‘ (2010)
Buy Tickets: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025) Movie Showtimes

Buy ‘How to Train your Dragon’ Movies On Amazon
0DalsIPz
June 10, 2025
2025 Summer Movies Preview

Moviefone 2025 summer preview.

Summer 2025 is almost here and with it comes the sun, the beach and summer movies!

The summer movie season will officially begin on May 2nd when Marvel’s highly anticipated ‘Thunderbolts*‘, which stars Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan, opens in theaters.

This summer will also introduce “Marvel’s First Family” with ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘, the return of an iconic hero with director James Gunn’s ‘Superman‘, Tom Cruise‘ final ‘Mission: Impossible‘, Brad Pitt‘s racing movie ‘F1‘, a new ‘Jurassic World‘ starring Scarlet Johansson, the ‘John Wick‘ spinoff ‘Ballerina‘, the live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ and ‘Lilo & Stitch‘, Pixar’s ‘Elio‘, and long awaited sequels like ‘28 Years Later‘ and ‘Freakier Friday‘.

With summer fast approaching, Moviefone is counting down the most anticipated movies of summer 2025, both theatrically and streaming!

Let’s begin!

May:

‘Another Simple Favor‘ (5/1)

Anna Kendrick stars as Stephanie Smothers in ‘Another Simple Favor’. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.

Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) and Emily (Blake Lively) reunite on the beautiful island of Capri, Italy for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman. Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square.
LWFFu0g6Cv7YIuZYBPlFj5
‘Thunderbolts*’ (5/2)

(L to R) Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Bob (Lewis Pullman), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan)in Marvel Studios’ ‘Thunderbolts*’. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. © 2025 Marvel.

An irreverent team-up featuring depressed assassin Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) alongside the MCU’s least anticipated band of misfits.
ySD9fRBhzaiO2TcznWDp2
‘The Surfer‘ (5/2)

Nicolas Cage stars in ‘The Surfer’. Photo: Saturn Films.

A man (Nicolas Cage) returns to the idyllic beach of his childhood to surf with his son. When he is humiliated by a group of locals, the man is drawn into a conflict that keeps rising and pushes him to his breaking point.
gm0ehzIsa1qpQtqMOlhoU1
‘Rosario‘ (5/2)

David Dastmalchian in ‘Rosario’. Photo: Mucho Mas Releasing.

Wall Street stockbroker, Rosario Fuentes (Emerald Toubia), returns to her grandmother’s apartment after her sudden death. While sorting through her Grandmother’s belongings, Rosario uncovers a horrifying secret—a hidden chamber filled with occult artifacts tied to dark generational rituals. As supernatural occurrences plague her, Rosario must confront her family’s buried secrets and face the truth about the sacrifices and choices they made.
X7zG29Ly96CGrX9awDP7Q2
‘Off the Record‘ (5/2)

Rainey Qualley as “Astor” in the music drama ‘Off The Record’. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution, a True Foe production.

Rainey Qualley stars as Astor Grey, a rising singer-songwriter whose life takes a dark turn when she enters a turbulent romance with washed-up rock star Brandyn Verge (Ryan Hansen). What begins as a whirlwind love story unravels into a gripping tale of manipulation and resilience as Astor fights to reclaim her autonomy and music.
S6hWcGc8df1CSmS7YFoUt1
‘Salvable‘ (5/2)

Shia LaBeouf in ‘Salvable’. Photo: Vertical.

Shia LaBeouf and Toby Kebbell star in an emotional, action-packed film about a prize fighter’s battles both inside and outside the ring. When a battered boxer past his prime finds his dreams and his relationships on the ropes, he falls back in with a dangerous crowd and has to take the biggest swing of his life to reclaim his hope and his family.
7dXH1alztvsBsbgJpmYlG3
‘Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted‘ (5/2)

Swamp Dogg in ‘Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted’. Photo: Magnolia Pictures.

Legendary musician Swamp Dogg, alongside housemates Moogstar and Guitar Shorty, has transformed his home into an artistic playground. Together they navigate the tumultuous music industry, and forge a unique and inspiring path across time and space.
TPoD3jBROOb1dYJkpFjav
‘Broke‘ (5/6)

Wyatt Russell in ‘Broke’. Photo: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

A bronc rider (Wyatt Russell) in denial about his fading rodeo career battles against brain injury and a sudden blizzard while reflecting on how it became so difficult to achieve his dreams.
vTuyPOv1Pb1axv8kTOlCo5
‘Shadow Force‘ (5/9)

(L to R) Omar Sy as Isaac and Kerry Washington as Kyrah in ‘Shadow Force’. Photo: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

Kyrah (Kerry Washington) and Isaac (Omar Sy) were once the leaders of a multinational special forces group called Shadow Force. They broke the rules by falling in love, and in order to protect their son (Jahleel Kamara), they go underground. With a large bounty on their heads, and the vengeful Shadow Force hot on their trail, one family’s fight becomes all-out war.
wqB1LV4WDLFUBsahAbf953
‘Clown in a Cornfield‘ (5/9)

‘Clown in a Cornfield’ opens in theaters on May 9th. Photo: RLJE Films & Shudder.

Quinn (Katie Douglas) and her father have just moved to the quiet town of Kettle Springs hoping for a fresh start. Instead, she discovers a fractured community that has fallen on hard times after the treasured Baypen Corn Syrup Factory burned down. As the locals bicker amongst themselves and tensions boil over, a sinister, grinning figure emerges from the cornfields to cleanse the town of its burdens, one bloody victim at a time.
2XDi3Et5iucAUgLiwMiav3
‘Friendship‘ (5/9)

(L to R) Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd in ‘Friendship’. Photo: A24.

Suburban dad Craig (Tim Robinson) falls hard for his charismatic new neighbor, as Craig’s attempts to make an adult male friend threaten to ruin both of their lives.
X7ETPMlXmE08BSNAH2JwO4
‘Unit 234‘ (5/9)

Don Johnson in ‘Unit 234’. Photo: Brainstorm Media.

While working the night shift alone, Laurie Saltair (Isabella Fuhrman) discovers a comatose man, Clayton (Jack Huston), in Unit 234 of her family’s storage facility. What transpires is a thrill ride of a cat-and-mouse game for Laurie and Clayton to survive the night.
lxjhjvXbzbBIkFqy36NHw1
‘Watch the Skies‘ (5/9)

‘Watch The Skies’ opens in theaters on May 9, 2025. Photo: XYZ Films & Flawless.

When a foster home placed teenage rebel suspects that her father is not dead but kidnapped by UFOs, she takes help from a UFO association to find out the truth. Together, they embark on a risky adventure that takes them far beyond the laws borders and into a world filled with UFO expeditions, conspiracies and inexplicable phenomena.
NvWSysgMuyP5fSLacFU741
‘Henry Johnson‘ (5/9)

(L to R) Shia LaBeouf and Evan Jonigkeit in ‘Henry Johnson’. Photo: 1993.

Henry Johnson (Evan Jonigkeit) navigates his search for a moral center, after an act of compassion upends his life. Looking to authority figures he encounters along the way, Henry’s journey leads him down a road of manipulation and ethical uncertainty.
UFW81KdjhokI03uIhi1jG4
‘Final Destination: Bloodlines‘ (5/16)

(L to R) Teo Briones as “Charlie”, Andrew Tinpo Lee as “Marty”, Kaitlyn Santa Juana as “Stefanie”, April Amber Telek as “Aunt Brenda”, Alex Zahara as “Uncle Howard”, Richard Harmon as “Erik”, Anna Lore as “Julia”, Owen Patrick Joyner as “Bobby” in New Line Cinema’s “Final Destination Bloodlines,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Eric Milner. Copyright: © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Plagued by a violent recurring nightmare, college student Stefanie (Kaitlyn Santa Juana) heads home to track down the one person who might be able to break the cycle and save her family from the grisly demise that inevitably awaits them all.
6SCiQVJlo9FCCjtsPKCrW6
‘A Breed Apart‘ (5/16)

(L to R) Troy Gentile as “Mason Kelly,” Riele Downs as “Killer Queen,” Page Kennedy as “Big Farmer Jay” and Grace Caroline Currey as “Violet” in the thriller horror comedy ‘A Breed Apart’, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

When Violet (Grace Caroline Currey) accepts an invitation to a private island with some of the world’s most famous social influencers, she expects a weekend of unrivaled viral opportunity. She soon becomes part of her own horrific reality show when the guests are pitted against each other to capture the island’s legendary man-eating dogs before they become victims of the monstrous canines.
jdqN9AOqOrZQ0txAMyYAd7
‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning‘ (5/23)

(L to R) Tom Cruise plays Ethan Hunt, Greg Tarzan Davis plays Degas, Simon Pegg plays Benji Dunn and Hayley Atwell plays Grace in ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ from Paramount Pictures and Skydance. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

After escaping a calamitous train crash, Ethan (Tom Cruise) realizes The Entity is stashed aboard an old Russian submarine, but a foe from his past named Gabriel is also on the trail.
5AaefAclQbFxKKldaHR185
‘Lilo & Stitch‘ (5/23)

2025’s live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch’. Photo: Walt Disney Pictures.

The wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family.
09WVcRj0XLnutwlOC7lnf2
‘The Surrender‘ (5/23)

‘The Surrender’ opens in theaters on May 23rd. Photo: Shudder.

A fraught mother-daughter relationship that is put to a terrifying test when the family patriarch dies and the grieving mother hires a mysterious stranger to bring her husband back from the dead. As the bizarre and brutal resurrection ritual spirals out of control, both women must reconcile their differences as they fight for their lives, and for each other.
7pkBk6XvaMfdcGQDqw3Fa4
‘Karate Kid Legends‘ (5/30)

(L to R) Jackie Chan, Ben Wang and Ralph Macchio in Columbia Pictures ‘Karate Kid: Legends’. Photo: Sony Pictures.

After a family tragedy, kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) is uprooted from his home in Beijing and forced to move to New York City with his mother. Li struggles to let go of his past as he tries to fit in with his new classmates, and although he doesn’t want to fight, trouble seems to find him everywhere. When a new friend needs his help, Li enters a karate competition – but his skills alone aren’t enough. Li’s kung fu teacher Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) enlists original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) for help, and Li learns a new way to fight, merging their two styles into one for the ultimate martial arts showdown.
6NCLOrT2mAcjCpXF8XWhl5
‘Tornado‘ (5/30)

Kōki, in John Maclean’s ‘Tornado’. Courtesy of Norman Wilcox- Geissen. An IFC Films release.

A Japanese puppeteer’s daughter (Kōki) gets caught up with criminals when their show crosses paths with a crime gang, led by Sugarman (Tim Roth) and his son Little Sugar (Jack Lowden).
L4RqDiwahqaFAPbf9M3Nl5
‘The Phoenician Scheme‘ (5/30)

Benicio Del Toro stars as Zsa-Zsa Korda in director Wes Anderson’s ‘The Phoenician Scheme’, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of TPS Productions/Focus Features © 2025 All Rights Reserved.

The story of a family and a family business starring Benicio del Toro.
840FXz1A16r7w6COVuUvH
‘Bring Her Back‘ (5/30)

Billy Barratt in ‘Bring Her Back’. Photo: A24.

A brother and sister uncover a terrifying ritual at the secluded home of their new foster mother (Sally Hawkins).
2057139

June:

‘From the World of John Wick: Ballerina ‘ (6/6)

Ana de Armas as Eve in ‘Ballerina’. Photo: Murray Close.

Taking place during the events of ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum‘, the film follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma.

T6zQSeyAbhbLqgQYrfPFZ7
‘I Don’t Understand You‘ (6/6)

Nick Kroll in ‘I Don’t Understand You’. Photo: Vertical.

Stranded in rural Italy without transportation or language skills, an American couple on the verge of adopting tries to reconnect during a disastrous vacation, as their fears and relationship problems threaten to boil over.
P3gDylLZOEsX3TYcaZw703
‘The Life of Chuck‘ (6/6)

Tom Hiddleston stars in ‘The Life of Chuck’. Photo: Neon.

Charles ‘Chuck’ Krantz (Tom Hiddleston) experiences the wonder of love, the heartbreak of loss, and the multitudes contained in all of us.
TmJtO5movvVx2ISzod9XB2
‘Barron’s Cove‘ (6/6)

(L to R) Christian Convery “Ethan” and Garrett Hedlund as “Caleb” in the Crime, Drama, Thriller ‘Barron’s Cove’, a Well Go USA release. Photo courtesy of Well Go USA.

Barron’s Cove follows a father with a violent past (Garrett Hedlund) as he grieves the sudden loss of his only child. Convinced of a cover-up and intent on obtaining answers about his son’s death, he kidnaps the troubled boy he holds responsible – the son of a prominent local politician – which ignites a media firestorm and frenzied manhunt. But as he grows ever closer to uncovering the truth, he is left to wonder whether his pursuers are really seeking to protect the boy, or merely the secrets he keeps.
gcDXmh2fr7748k6V4CTJd5
‘Dangerous Animals‘ (6/6)

Jai Courtney in ‘Dangerous Animals’. Photo: IFC Films.

A savvy and free-spirited surfer is abducted by a shark-obsessed serial killer. Held captive on his boat, she must figure out how to escape before he carries out a ritualistic feeding to the sharks below.
dP5XeE4ZESLOVX6PvZ6cc3
‘Best Wishes to All‘ (6/6)

‘Best Wishes to All’ opens in theaters on June 6th. Photo: Shudder.

A young woman’s visit to her grandparents’ home leads to the discovery of what’s brought them happiness, a revelation that will lead her to question her choices, sanity and reality itself.
2AhSFqHNhr9mvDRNmzxYy
‘Deep Cover‘ (6/12)

(L to R) Orlando Bloom as “Marlon,” Bryce Dallas-Howard as “Kat,” and Nick Mohammed as “Hugh” in the action comedy ‘Deep Cover’. Photo courtesy of Peter Mountain/ Metronome Film.

Three improv actors are hired by the police to help stage low-level stings. Their instinct to “always say yes” without breaking character leads them deep inside London’s criminal underworld.
x2T4kjnWgGBhStl2mk75z1
‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ (6/13)

Mason Thames (right) as Hiccup with his Night Fury dragon, Toothless, in Universal Pictures’ live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames) stands apart, defying centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.
6iSOkm8wH6ERhulOvteW45
‘Materialists‘ (6/13)

Dakota Johnson in ‘Materialists’. Photo: A24.

A young, ambitious New York City matchmaker (Dakota Johnson) finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex.
5kUEhsfrYs93tP3MKoD3y5
‘28 Years Later‘ (6/20)

(L to R) Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and his son Spike (Alfie Williams) in Columbia Pictures’ ’28 Years Later’. Photo: Miya Mizuno. © 2024 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

It’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.
Y0yVDDumuqttYGuM5pF7c
‘Elio‘ (6/20)

Pixar’s ‘Elio’. Photo: Disney.

Elio (Yonas Kibreab), a space fanatic with an active imagination, finds himself on a cosmic misadventure where he must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions and somehow discover who he is truly meant to be.
nych8Y2Kfdm5g4LKNmJR03
‘F1‘ (6/27)

Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes in Apple Original Films’ ‘F1,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo: Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures / Apple Original Films.

Racing legend Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) is coaxed out of retirement to lead a struggling Formula 1 team—and mentor a young hotshot driver—while chasing one more chance at glory.
CyMVLBZ0nDc1R50XgbSKa4
‘Hot Milk‘ (6/27)

‘Hot Milk’ opens in theaters on June 27th. Photo: IFC Films.

Rose (Fiona Shaw) and her daughter Sofia (Emma Mackey) travel to the Spanish seaside town of Almería to consult with the shamanic Dr. Gomez, a physician who could possibly hold the cure to Rose’s mystery illness, which has left her bound to a wheelchair. But in the sultry atmosphere of this sun-bleached town Sofia, who has been trapped by her mother’s illness all her life, finally starts to shed her inhibitions, enticed by the persuasive charms of enigmatic traveller Ingrid (Vickey Krieps).
3pAXmjHTBNm8fO8BWUJUy4
‘Sorry, Baby‘ (6/27)

Eva Victor in ‘Sorry, Baby’. Photo: A24.

Something bad happened to Agnes (Eva Victor). But life goes on… for everyone around her, at least. When a beloved friend visits on the brink of a major milestone, Agnes starts to realize just how stuck she’s been, and begins to work through how to move forward.
si6i9QEnSAOiWWFh11DYM2

July:

‘Jurassic World Rebirth‘ (7/2)

Scarlett Johansson as skilled covert operations expert Zora Bennett in ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, directed by Gareth Edwards. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Five years after the events of ‘Jurassic World Dominion‘, covert operations expert Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson) is contracted to lead a skilled team on a top-secret mission to secure genetic material from the world’s three most massive dinosaurs. When Zora’s operation intersects with a civilian family whose boating expedition was capsized, they all find themselves stranded on an island where they come face-to-face with a sinister, shocking discovery that’s been hidden from the world for decades.
iDV9ECfrlJVXq7MAkRW8k1
‘Superman‘ (7/11)

David Corenswet as Superman in ‘Superman,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.

Superman (David Corenswet), a cub reporter in Metropolis, embarks on a journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent.
OT00arSyAacXCGscjvNND4 qGOG9FZ6
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘ (7/25)

(L to R) Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios’ ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 Marvel.

Against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel’s First Family is forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, while defending Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer.
z9uHs9M5vfCiKZCJCNg4I6
‘Oh, Hi!‘ (7/25)

‘Oh, Hi!’ will be in theaters on July 25th. Photo: Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

Iris (Molly Gordon) and Isaac’s (Logan Lerman) first romantic weekend getaway goes awry.
QL7MeT5mpqQW48i2W5hob3

August:

‘The Bad Guys 2‘ (8/1)

(from left) Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos) and Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Bad Guys 2’, directed by Pierre Perifel. Photo: Universal Pictures.

The now-reformed Bad Guys are trying (very, very hard) to be good, but instead find themselves hijacked into a high-stakes, globe-trotting heist, masterminded by a new team of criminals they never saw coming: The Bad Girls.
vY6fwLQcSqDcQXYQL2zRK6
‘She Rides Shotgun‘ (8/1)

(L to R) Ana Sophia Heger and Taron Egerton in ‘She Rides Shotgun’. Photo: Lionsgate.

Newly released from prison and marked for death by unrelenting enemies, Nate (Taron Egerton) must now protect his estranged 11-year-old daughter, Polly (Ana Sphia Heger), at all costs. With scant resources and no one to trust, Nate and Polly form a bond forged under fire as he shows her how to fight and survive — and she teaches him what unconditional love truly means.
TBByGMKWS4f3NCOITRWuw3
‘Freakier Friday‘ (8/8)

(L to R) Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.

Years after Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Anna (Lindsay Lohan) endured an identity crisis, Anna now has a daughter of her own and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. As they navigate the myriad challenges that come when two families merge, Tess and Anna discover lightning might indeed strike twice.
rBtDmSMFyDDrNjeX5V55g5
‘Nobody 2‘ (8/15)

(L to R) Brady Mansell (Gage Munroe), Sammy Mansell (Paisley Cadorath), Hutch Mansell (Bob Odenkirk), David Mansell (Christopher Lloyd) and Becca Mansell (Connie Nielsen) in ‘Nobody 2’, directed by Timo Tjahjanto. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Sequel to ‘Nobody‘ (2021). Plot TBA.
K3fUW3hpY6YwKgjyql23P3
‘Witchboard‘ (8/15)

(L to R) Mel Jarnson as “Brooke,” Jamie Campbell Bower as “Alexander Babtiste,” Madison Iseman as “Emily,” and Aaron Dominguez as “Christian” in the Horror film ‘Witchboard’, a The Avenue release. Photo courtesy of The Avenue.

Emily (Madison Iseman) and her fiancé Christian (Aaron Dominguez) discover a mysterious Wiccan artifact as they prepare to open a bistro in New Orleans’ French Quarter. A darkness descends over Emily as she becomes obsessed with the board’s power of divination and ability to summon spirits, and Christian seeks the help of Alexander Babtiste (Jamie Campbell Bower), a mysterious occult expert who’s hiding secrets of his own.
XK0RIqnjplQ6W7XF56eDV4
‘The Toxic Avenger‘ (8/29)

Peter Dinklage as “Toxie” in the action, comedy, horror film, ‘The Toxic Avenger’, a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.

A horrible toxic accident transforms downtrodden janitor, Winston Gooze (Peter Dinklage) into a new evolution of hero: The Toxic Avenger.
ONHy8weYYsZexyU7f3Yu66

April 30, 2025
CinemaCon 2025: Universal Pictures Presentation
(L to R) Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Ariana Granda is Glinda in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu.

Preview:
- ‘Wicked: For Good’, ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ and more were showcased at Universal’s CinemaCon show.
- There was news of sequels to the live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ and ‘The Bad Guys.’
- The likes of Jon M. Chu and Scarlett Johansson were on stage to support their movies.
Universal’s 2024 was successful partly thanks to Jon M. Chu’s musical adaptation ‘Wicked,’ and with follow-up ‘Wicked: For Good’ on the way this year, some of the studio’s focus was always going to be on the movie –– which features two new songs not found in the stage source material.

Beyond that, we were expecting peeks at movies from the studio’s various arms and partners at this year’s CinemaCon presentation, including horror home Blumhouse and DreamWorks Animation, which continues to push the likes of the ongoing ‘Shrek’ franchise and others.

And not forgetting dinosaurs: another jewel in Universal’s crown in the ‘Jurassic Park’/‘Jurassic World’ movies, and with ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ headed to theaters this summer, we’d have been shocked to not see something fresh from that.

(L to R) Luna Blaise and the T-Rex in ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, directed by Gareth Edwards. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Related Article: ‘Superman,’ ‘F1’ Spotlighted in Warner Bros.’ CinemaCon Presentation

Here’s what happened at the studio’s show and tell…

Universal’s big display kicked off sonically, with the company’s President of music and publishing Mike Knobloch introducing Rickey Minor and an all-star orchestra playing a collection of tunes from the studio’s back catalogue –– ‘Jurassic Park,’ ‘Fast & Furious,’ ‘Despicable Me,’ ‘Jaws’ and even the likes of DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Shrek’ and ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ with clips from the movies on screens.

And, naturally, last year’s huge smash was among them, with ‘Wicked’ fully represented.

Universal chairman Donna Langley arrived on stage to celebrate the fact that the studio has released more theatrical movies since the pandemic than any other. She bypassed the idea that shrinking theatrical windows were to blame for audiences skipping cinemas.

Pete Levinson, the chairman of Universal distribution took over to essentially praise the company for its $3 billion in grosses last year. And to remind us all that ‘Wicked: For Good’ is on the way in November.

But properly first?

‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’

Scarlett Johansson as skilled covert operations expert Zora Bennett in ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, directed by Gareth Edwards. Photo: Universal Pictures.

As the orchestra stuck up John Williams’ classic ‘Jurassic Park’ theme, stars Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali arrived on stage alongside director Gareth Edwards to talk about the movie.

Noted dino fan Johansson related how she’s tried to get cast in all three previous ‘Jurassic World’ movies without success, eventually collaring Steven Spielberg to plead her case.

Edwards joked she was probably too expensive for the films –– which didn’t seem to sit well with Scarlet (probably all in good fun?)

The director also recalled watching the original ‘Jurassic Park’ as a kid (10 times in a day!) and how much of an honor it is direct this talented cast in a ‘Jurassic’ movie. He dropped mention that Mahershala is an Oscar winner, to which Ali comically corrected him that he has two!

Mahershala Ali is Duncan Kincaid in ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, directed by Gareth Edwards. Photo: Universal Pictures.

‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ filmed in Thailand, with Johansson recalling many “pinch me’ moments on set and on location.

The trio introduced some fresh footage from the movie –– some of it unfinished. Mahershala said he’d seen it, to which Scarlet joked she was supposed to see everything first per her contract.

As for the footage, it largely tracked what we saw in the first trailer, with Johansson’s specialist leading a team to an abandoned ‘Jurassic Park’ staging island to retrieve genetic material to source lifegiving medical cures. A new hybrid dino we’ve yet to meet
UfvDZx43
‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ stomps into theaters on July 2nd.
iDV9ECfrlJVXq7MAkRW8k1
On to DreamWorks Animation!

‘Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie’

Margie Cohn, President of DreamWorks Animation, followed to announce that the movie based on the popular Netflix series is in the works.

Gloria Estephan and Kristen Wiig lead the cast of the movie which blends animation and live-action, and the first trailer played on stage.

‘Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie’ heads to cinemas on September 26th.
17rAhLJPoE74ICZe05Chz
‘The Bad Guys 2’

(from left) Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos) and Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Bad Guys 2’, directed by Pierre Perifel. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Following their short before ‘Dog Man,’ the ‘Bad Guys’ crew will be properly back on our screen later this year.

Craig Robinson and Awkwafina were on stage to discuss it (and crack wise, including joking that co-stars Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron and Anthony Ramos aren’t there because they’re banned from Vegas).

Holding inflatable versions of their characters, Robinson said:

“We’ve got a legit franchise now, baby!”

The first trailer for the movie was played, showing that our Bad Guys are lured out of do-gooding by a group of bad girls.

‘The Bad Guys 2’ will be released on August 1st.
vY6fwLQcSqDcQXYQL2zRK6
‘How to Train Your Dragon’

(from left) Hiccup (Mason Thames) and Stoick (Gerard Butler) in Universal Pictures’ live- action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

The live-action/CG take on the tale (which screened earlier in the day at the event to generally great acclaim) had stars Gerard Butler and Nico Parker on stage alongside director Dean DeBlois to talk it up.

They also announced that a sequel has already been greenlit, and that that one will fly into theaters on June 11th, 2027.

Butler was also given the chance to set the orchestra playing some of John Powell’s recognizable score.

‘How to Train Your Dragon’s live-action remake will be flying into cinemas on June 13th.
6iSOkm8wH6ERhulOvteW45
The whistlestop presentation moved onto…

‘HIM’

Produced by Jordan Peele, the blend of sports story and horror sees a promising young football player joining an isolated compound to train under a dynasty team’s aging quarterback.

Directed by Justin Tipping, the movie had stars Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers on stage to promote it.

Wayans began by quipping:

“I’m finally the only Wayans here. I’m tenth of ten kids. I don’t think Keenan (his brother) knows my name!”

Withers, meanwhile, told the crowd that they’ve never seen Wayans like this before.

The pair then cued up the creepy first look at the movie, which promises a blend of ‘The Substance’ and American Football.

‘HIM’ will touch down at theaters on September 19th.

From there, to…

‘Nobody 2’

Bob Odenkirk in ‘Nobody.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

The sequel to the 2021 Bob Odenkirk-starring action movie showcased its first trailer, full of more bone-crunching action, with Sharon stone joining the cast. The story this time finds Hutch Parker (Odenkirk) taking the family on vacation, only to run afoul of Stone’s criminal organization. Cue vengeance!

The movie hits cinemas on August 15th.
K3fUW3hpY6YwKgjyql23P3
Next, it was the turn of Focus Features…

Focus chairman Peter Kujawski took the stage to hype his studio arm’s upcoming titles and say that every film by the company is made for theatrical.

He dropped word of Wes Anderson’s latest, ‘The Phoenician Scheme,’ Chloe Zhao’s ‘Hamnet,’ ‘Anemone,’ which Ronan Day-Lewis co-wrote with his father, Daniel Day-Lewis, who left retirement to appear in the movie. And, of course, there’s reportedly final ‘Downton Abbey’ movie ‘The Grand Finale.’

‘The Phoenician Scheme’

Anderson’s new cine-baby features much of his regular players, with Benicio Del Toro leading the cast.

It’ll be out on June 6th.
840FXz1A16r7w6COVuUvH
‘Bugonia’

That was followed by the first trailer for ‘Kinds of Kindness’ director Yorgos Lanthimos’ next movie, ‘Bugonia,’ which reunites that movie’s Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons.

It’ll creep into theaters on November 7th.
B736ECIsf39YWGSbt5wPo
And finally from Focus?

‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’

2022’s ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’. Photo: Focus Features.

The last ‘Downton’ movie is set in the 1930s and includes much of the regular cast plus Paul Giamatti.

That one will grace our screens on September 12th.
lEX8tSN43MbhVEWkp6eIR2
From there, to a horror theme via Blumhouse…

‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’

Toy Freddy in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures. Photo Credit: Universal Pictures Toy Freddy in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

The orchestra struck up music of the video game adaptation, which heralded one of the animatronic characters (well, a suit based on them) striding on stage.

After some confusion as to how to remove the head, it turned out to be company boss Jason Blum, who joked he so loves to save money that he was in the costumes the whole time for the original movie.

The original ‘Freddy’s is Blumhouse’s biggest hit of all time, so of course the sequel is already in the works. Blum also apologized for the decision to make that movie day and date on Peacock, so this follow-up will be cinemas only upon release.

And that release? December 5th.
mUHqMLDRZnVQTKeqBMpHY
Blum also cued up a teaser, which sees the return of Josh Hutcherson’s Mike and more animatronic chaos.
oTI091aK
And we moved to…

‘The Black Phone 2’

Ethan Hawke as The Grabber in ‘The Black Phone,’ directed by Scott Derrickson.

Not done with the costume theatrics, Blum arrived back on stage in a Grabber mask to offer that the sequel to Scott Derrickson’s 2021 kidnap horror thriller will be in theaters on October 17th.

Actor Madeleine McGraw, who returns for the new movie (and is CinemaCon 2025 Rising Star of the Year), joined Blum on stage to talk about the movie, which is Derrickson’s first-ever sequel.

We were treated to a first look trailer for the new movie. The footage finds the two kids (played by McGraw and Mason Thames) dealing with the repercussions of the first movie. Ethan Hawke’s Grabber is back –– even though he died –– but we only hear his voice in the trailer.
tERLaWd8vTuSTpFXPV8ux3
From there to…

‘M3GAN 2.0’

M3GAN in ‘M3GAN 2.0’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. Photo: Universal Pictures.

It’s convenient that Madeline McGraw was already on stage, because she could introduce sister Violet, who appears in the AI killer doll sequel.
l6BYJsiU
The follow-up takes the ‘Terminator 2’ approach, with an even more threatening AI system going online and M3GAN has to be re-activated to stop it.

Is that a good idea? Probably not!

M3GAN in ‘M3GAN 2.0,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Following the arrival of 30 M3GAN dolls (or Las Vegas dancers dressed like M3GAN) on stage, the new trailer played for the movie.

‘M3GAN 2.0’ strides on to screens on June 27th.
mZYHi5iOIN9XrRLeJ8U644
That was followed by…

‘Soulm8te’

‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ director James Wan at CinemaCon 2022. Photos by Eric Charbonneau.

Atomic Monster boss James Wan –– whose company has formed a creative partnership with Blumhouse –– came on stage to talk up ‘Soulm8te,’ which if it sounds like a more grown up take on ‘M3GAN’ (or really, ‘Companion,’ with its story of a female robo-partner who turns out to be an issue), that’s because it’s set in the same universe as the devious doll.

‘Soulm8te’s first look played, followed by word of a January 2md. 2026 release.
FY9I2ohyPdSsD5puMSdMp6
And then…

2026 Universal Preview

‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ will open in theaters on April 7, 2023.

Jim Orr, the studio’s president of theatrical distribution, came on stage to discuss even further in the future. To coin a phrase, more sequels!

He confirmed the likes of ‘Super Mario Bros. Movie 2′ (April 2026), ‘Minions 3’ (July 2026) and ‘Shrek 5‘ (yes, featuring Zendaya in a voice role, arriving Christmas 2026).

But there are originals too, including Christopher Nolan’s epic ‘The Odyssey’ (July 2026) and a certain Mr. Steven Spielberg’s still-to-be-titled new event movie, which will arrive in June 2026.
GMFxtsAnOuHq3zrIA41A62
But for the big finish, the expected…

‘Wicked: For Good’

Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu.

To the strains of ‘Defying Gravity,’ the presentation wrapped with ‘Wicked’ stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande taking the stage –– and, yes, referring to holding space as per the viral interview meme –– to discuss the follow-up, and thank theater owners for their support.

They were joined by producer Marc Platt and director Jon M. Chu, who joked that this is the third year his movie(s) have closed out a Universal CinemaCon presentation.

Chu quipped:

“It all worked out!”

(Center L to R) Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba), Director Jon M. Chu, and Ariana Granda (as Glinda) on the set of ‘Wicked’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Getting serious to discuss how the new movie follows the ramifications of the young women’s choices from the original.

We got a first look at the movie via an extended trailer, which finds Glinda and Elphaba meeting again after some time has passed since the end of ‘Wicked.’

Elphaba uses her powers to write, The Wizard of Oz Lies!” in the sky, while we get our first clear look at Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion.

‘Wicked: For Good’ soars on to screens on November 21st.
pesbpRntTGmaBaUY09OT
And with that… Universal was done for CinemaCon 2025!

Ariana Grande is Glinda in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Editorial Note: Moviefone Editor in Chief Jami Philbrick contributed to this reporting.
April 2, 2025