What Does Live Action Even Mean?

My number one question before seeing this film was, “What does live-action even mean?” We know that the dragons are computer-generated, but how much of a film can be computer-generated and still retain the live-action title? In this How to Train Your Dragon Christian Movie Review & Parent Guide, I address your questions and give you the information you need before viewing this movie with your children.

How to Train Your Dragon Christian Movie Review Live Action 2025

Studio Synopsis:

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone; For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies 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.

My Synopsis:

Hiccup, the son of the chief of the Vikings, is different, and different is not good.

How to Train Your Dragon Christian Movie Review (2025) – What Parents Want to Know

Since this film almost follows word for word, scene for scene, the original How to Train Your Dragon animated film from 2010, we see the same language and same potential issues for Christian families that we saw in the original film.

Language:

One use of h-ll. Additionally, some crude language such as the term bloody. Use of the term “gods.” (This can be a great teaching element – the Vikings had multiple gods.

Violence:

Similar violence level as the animated film. However, be advised that the violence with real actors seems more real. Additionally, the explosions seem more realistic. There are a lot of explosions, fire-breathing dragons, combat against the dragons, and use of axes, catapults, swords, etc. Furthermore, there is a lot of talk about killing dragons. This is what Vikings do.

Additionally, there are some jump scenes.

Spiritual Content:

In one scene that I don’t remember being in the original film, the village elder named Gothi is consulted about a decision. She grabs a bag of bones, and throws them on the table. Then, she reads the bones similar to reading Tarot cards or a crystal ball. Obviously, it is a pagan ritual.

Additionally, Gothi has black fingertips. Is this a sign of witchcraft or black magic? I am unsure of the meaning of these, but it is creepy.

Again, similar to the original film – use of the names of Viking gods Odin and Thor. Stoick says, “Thor Almighty.” Additionally, the term “unholy offspring” is uttered. The dragons are called devils in several scenes.

Adult Content:

Hiccup has a crush on Astrid. Additionally, throughout the film, it is apparent other young men do too. Astrid kisses Hiccup on the cheek, and then at the end of the film, she kisses him on the lips.

Deception:

Hiccup hides Toothless from everyone. Additionally, he lies about where he is going when he leaves the village to visit Toothless.

Other Content:

In the 2025, live-action, DEI version of How to Train Your Dragon, we are led to believe that Vikings are a group of diverse people, and the best warriors from all over the world. This film generated controversy when it was revealed the Astrid would be played by Nico Parker who is biracial.

Research, were there were black Vikings. There are many sites that make the claims of black or multi-cultural Vikings, and basically their proof is that Vikings traveled. However, make sure to visit sites that talk about DNA and historical evidence.

Finally, there is a lot of content (as was in the original), where Hiccup is verbally abused by everyone. His Dad yells at him. There are several instances where Stoick or other people tell him to “stop being all of you.” Additionally, he is told, “you are not my son.” However, later, his dad does apologize. Another father tells his son, “Don’t talk to me in public.”

How to Train Your Dragon Christian Movie Review Live Action – My Viewing Recommendations

While this film is almost a replica of the original animated How to Train Your Dragon, there are a few deviations. You would think my age recommendation would be the same. However, because of the live-action elements, explosions seem more real, and with the addition of the “bone-reading, I have more reservations about small children seeing this film.

Furthermore, my question at the very end of this film, “Was this even necessary?” Just because we can make a live-action film of every animated film, doesn’t mean we should.

About the Movie:

Rating: PG for sequences of intense action, some scary images along with brief mild language.

Release Date: June 13, 2025

Runtime: 1 hour, 56 minutes

Genre: Fantasy/Family

Studio: DreamWorks Animation, Marc Platt Productions

Directed by: Dean DuBlois

Written by: Dean Dublois

Based on the book: How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

Produced by: Marc Platt, Adam Siegel

Edited by: Wyatt Smith

Music by: John Powell

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

The Cast of The 2025 Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon:

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III played by Mason Thames

Astrid Hofferson played by Nico Parker

Stoick the Vast played by Gerard Butler

Gobber the Belch played by Nick Frost

Fishlegs Ingerman played by Julian Dennison

Snotlout Jorgenson played by Gabriel Howell

Ruffnut Thorston played by Bronwyn James

Tuffnut Thorston played by Harry Trevaldwyn

Spitelout Jorgenson played by Peter Serafinowicz

Phlegma played by Ruth Codd

Hoark played by Murray McArthur

Gothi played by Naomi Wirthner