On the set of the live-action movie, Toothless and the other dragons existed as large puppets with simple functions, operated by a team of master puppeteers led by Tom Wilton, a performer who had worked on the “War Horse” stage play.

Costar Mason Thames, who stars as Hiccup in the 2025 live-action remake, says Gerard Butler personified "the giant brute force that Stoick is" Gerard Butler reprises his How to Train Your Dragon role of Stoick the Vast in the 2025 live-action remake Butler previously voiced the character for the franchise's animated films Mason Thames,

The live-action update of the popular animated film grossed $8.6 million in Thursday shows and another $2.5 million in early access Wednesday screenings.

The release of the live action How To Train Your Dragon is hitting theaters, and there’s every possible reason for optimism. Reviews are over the top positive. Box office expectations are really high, and most importantly, we just got word we’re getting a collaboration between the beloved franchise and Loungefly.

The actor tells PEOPLE about his role as Hiccup in the 2025 live-action remake of 'How to Train Your Dragon,' out now