As you watch the 2025 live-action remake of "How to Train Your Dragon," it's easy to feel a wave of déjà vu. The film, which has soared to box office success, stays remarkably faithful to its animated predecessor from 2010. In his review, Ethan Anderton from /Film describes the movie as being "loyal" to a fault, so much so that it struggles to carve out its own identity separate from the original that captured the hearts of an entire generation.
The remake brings back several key creative figures from the original film, with co-director Dean DeBlois returning to adapt many of his original shots into live-action and composer John Powell revamping the iconic score. Of course, Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick the Vast, embodying the gruff yet loving Viking leader with his signature depth.
While Butler is the sole actor reprising his role from the animated film, the cast is filled with familiar faces. Mason Thames, who captivated audiences in "The Black Phone," takes on the role of Hiccup. His best friend Fishlegs is played by Julian Dennison, whose comedic genius was showcased in films like "Deadpool 2" and "Hunt for the Wilderpeople." Then there's Gobber the Belch, the beloved blacksmith with an array of inventive prostheses, brought to life by comedian Nick Frost. If his face seems familiar but you can't quite place him, it might be because he often shares the screen with his comedic partner-in-crime, Simon Pegg.
Before Edgar Wright became known for directing Hollywood hits like "Scott Pilgrim vs the World," he made waves with the British sitcom "Spaced." This series introduced one of modern comedy's most cherished duos: Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Like most British TV shows, we were only given a small taste of "Spaced" before it ended, but the trio went on to create the legendary Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy. Comprising "Shaun of the Dead," "Hot Fuzz," and "The World's End," each film centers around Pegg and Frost's enduring friendship, even as their characters navigate bloodshed and heartache.
Nick Frost's charm lies in his ability to bring both playfulness and a poignant sense of longing to his roles, making his characters relatable and endearing. He reunited with Pegg in the stoner alien comedy "Paul" and recently returned to his horror-comedy roots in "Get Away." Frost's career extends beyond these projects; he also portrayed the quirky pirate droid SM-33 in Disney 's "Star Wars" series "Skeleton Crew" and will soon wield a pink umbrella as Hagrid in HBO's upcoming "Harry Potter" TV show.
In "How to Train Your Dragon," Frost breathes life into Gobber with his trademark humor and warmth, reminding us why he remains a favorite among audiences. The film is currently playing in theaters, inviting viewers to revisit the world of dragons and Vikings with fresh eyes.
