How to Train Your Dragon Set for Strong Summer Box Office Opening

The much-anticipated live-action adaptation of 'How to Train Your Dragon' is projected to generate a substantial box office opening, with estimates ranging from $65 million to $75 million in the U.S. alone, alongside an expected international take of approximately $110 million. This projection positions the film's total global earnings between $175 million and $185 million, according to industry analysts.

Scheduled for release on June 10, 2025, 'How to Train Your Dragon' seeks to revitalize the beloved franchise originally launched in 2010 by DreamWorks Animation. The film, directed by Dean DeBlois, who also helmed the original animated series, aims to differentiate itself from its predecessor while retaining the core elements that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

As reported by Deadline's Anthony D’Alessandro and Nancy Tartaglione, the film's box office prospects are bolstered by an extensive marketing campaign, including a Super Bowl advertisement that garnered over 370 million global views, making it one of the most engaging trailers of the event (D'Alessandro & Tartaglione, 2025). The film will be showcased in over 4,000 theaters in North America and will utilize advanced viewing technologies such as PLFs, 4DX, ScreenX, and IMAX.

Critics have responded positively to early reviews, with a current approval rating of 81% on Rotten Tomatoes, significantly lower than the original animated film's rating of 99%. The film’s unique visualization of the character Toothless and the performances by Mason Thames and Nico Parker as Hiccup and Astrid, respectively, have been highlighted as standout elements (D'Alessandro & Tartaglione, 2025).

Internationally, 'How to Train Your Dragon' has begun its rollout with successful previews already reported in key markets such as South Korea and the UK, where it generated $4.3 million and $1.2 million respectively within the first few days of release (D'Alessandro & Tartaglione, 2025). The film’s popularity is also evidenced by its strong pre-sales, indicating a favorable reception ahead.

In terms of competition, the film faces the challenge of the live-action adaptation of 'Lilo & Stitch', which is projected to earn around $20 million during the same weekend. However, given the strong brand recognition and the nostalgic value of the 'How to Train Your Dragon' franchise, analysts believe there is ample room for both films to succeed (D'Alessandro & Tartaglione, 2025).

The financial implications of this opening weekend are noteworthy, as the film's production budget is reported to be around $150 million, aided by tax credits from filming in Ireland. The anticipated box office performance will play a crucial role in determining the future of the franchise (D'Alessandro & Tartaglione, 2025).

In summary, 'How to Train Your Dragon' is poised to make a significant impact at the summer box office, drawing in both fans of the original animated series and new audiences alike. As the film prepares for its official release, industry stakeholders remain optimistic about its potential to reignite interest in the franchise and contribute to the overall growth of the box office this summer.

### Sources: - D'Alessandro, A., & Tartaglione, N. (2025). Deadline. 'How To Train Your Dragon' Won't Be Laggin' At Summer Box Office With $175M-$185M Global Start For Live-Action Redo. Retrieved from Deadline.

### Future Projections: - The film's performance will be closely monitored as it rolls out into international markets, particularly in regions with a strong affinity for animated adaptations. Projections suggest that the film may continue to thrive in various territories, especially in Latin America and parts of Asia, where previous installments of the franchise have been well-received.

### Broader Context: - The trend of adapting animated classics into live-action formats has gained traction in recent years, with varying degrees of success. The performance of 'How to Train Your Dragon' may set a precedent for future adaptations, influencing how studios approach such projects in the competitive entertainment landscape.