‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Live-Action Film Projected to Earn $70-$80 Million Opening Weekend

Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s live-action adaptation of “How to Train Your Dragon” is forecasted to debut strongly at the box office, with projections ranging from $70 million to $80 million domestically. The film benefits from the nostalgia and goodwill of the original 2010 animated movie, attracting family audiences eager to see the new interpretation. Internationally, the movie is expected to generate an additional $110 million as it releases simultaneously in major markets worldwide. The story centers on Hiccup, a young Viking misfit who befriends an injured dragon named Toothless, challenging longstanding Viking-dragon hostilities. Directed and written by Dean DeBlois, who also helmed the original animated trilogy that grossed $1.6 billion globally, the live-action film has received positive reviews, though not as overwhelmingly praised as its predecessor. With a production budget of $150 million, the film’s strong opening would mark a solid start. Universal is already planning a sequel for 2027, signaling confidence in the franchise’s future. The film’s release will compete with Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch,” which has dominated the box office recently and is on track to become the year’s first billion-dollar movie. Additionally, A24’s romantic drama “Materialists,” starring Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal, is expected to open with $8 to $9 million, benefiting from critical acclaim and strong word-of-mouth.