How to Train Your Dragon Soars in Box Office Debut
“How to Train Your Dragon” soared to an impressive box office debut this weekend, proving that some live-action remakes truly captivate audiences. The Universal adaptation of the beloved animated series earned a strong $83.7 million in North American theaters, industry sources said. Directed by Dean DeBlois, a veteran of the franchise, the film follows the touching bond between a young Viking named Hiccup (played by Mason Thames) and his dragon, Toothless.
This live-action reboot outperformed the 2019 animated film “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” which opened with $55 million. Additionally, the new movie took in over $114.1 million internationally, pushing its global total close to $198 million. The four-word keyphrase “How to Train Your Dragon” was a major draw for moviegoers eager to relive the magical tale in a fresh format.
Live-Action Remakes Gain Momentum
Experts noted that “How to Train Your Dragon” is another example of a successful live-action remake delivering on its marketing promises. A senior media analyst commented on the unexpected staying power and appeal of these summer films, describing their box office performance as “nothing short of miraculous.”
The film claimed the top spot this weekend, knocking Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” down to second place. The latter, a hybrid live-action remake, added $15 million domestically and has now earned over $386 million in the U.S. and Canada.
Other Hits and Debuts in Theaters
Rounding out the top three was “Materialists,” a modern-day love story set in New York, starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans. The romantic dramedy debuted with $12 million, featuring Johnson as a clever matchmaker torn between two very different suitors.
Following closely was “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” which dropped to fourth place but held strong with $10.3 million, avoiding a steep decline.
The John Wick spinoff “Ballerina,” starring Ana de Armas and featuring Keanu Reeves, slipped to fifth place with $9.4 million. Despite positive reviews, the action film’s box office performance suggests it might gain momentum later, similar to the original John Wick’s rise after streaming release.
In sixth place, “Karate Kid: Legends” earned $5 million, followed by “Final Destination: Bloodlines” at $3.9 million. Wes Anderson’s latest project, “The Phoenician Scheme,” brought in $3 million, landing eighth. The Stephen King adaptation “The Life of Chuck” took ninth with $2.1 million.
Rounding out the top ten was “Sinners,” a film starring Michael B. Jordan and directed by Ryan Coogler. Despite being available on digital platforms for two months, it still drew $1.4 million in theaters, an impressive feat.
Box Office Outlook
Overall, the box office has seen a 23 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Industry analysts look forward to upcoming releases such as “Eilo,” “F1,” “Superman,” and “28 Days Later,” which could continue to boost ticket sales in the weeks ahead.
Top 10 Movies by Domestic Box Office
Based on weekend estimates for U.S. and Canadian theaters, the top films were:
1. How to Train Your Dragon – $83.7 million
2. Lilo and Stitch – $15.5 million
3. Materialists – $12 million
4. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – $10.3 million
5. From the World of John Wick: Ballerina – $9.4 million
6. Karate Kid: Legends – $5 million
7. Final Destination: Bloodlines – $3.9 million
8. The Phoenician Scheme – $3 million
9. The Life of Chuck – $2.1 million
10. Sinners – $1.4 million
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