The eagerly awaited live-action remake of How To Train Your Dragon, directed by Dean DeBlois and featuring Mason Thames, finally released across the globe. Based on the much-loved 2010 animated film, the movie is soaring high, with Thursday night domestic preview shows raking in a staggering USD 10–10.5 million (₹86–91 crore).
Strong Weekend Projections and Global Appeal
Early box office estimates suggest a record Father’s Day weekend performance in store, with domestic box offices garnering approximately USD 90 million (₹774 crore). Markets overseas are also registering brisk advance bookings, setting the film on course for a possible USD 200 million (₹1,720 crore) worldwide opening weekend a phenomenal opening by any standards.
Budget and Break-Even Outlook
Good Word from Fans and Critics
Fears that the live-action remake would lose fans of the original animated trilogy have been dispelled. Preliminary audience response indicates overwhelming support, and the movie is set to receive an A or A+ CinemaScore, a sign of broad approval.
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Live-Action Adaptations Continue to Shine
Regardless of social media criticism targeting Hollywood’s trend of remaking animated classics live-action, box office attendance has another tale to tell. Last month alone, Lilo & Stitch surprised the world with its numbers and is now on its way to reaching the USD 1 billion benchmark.
With How To Train Your Dragon as part of the successful franchise remakes list, studios can begin to look towards more recent IPs such as Brave or Shrek—as opposed to older ones like Snow White for upcoming titles.
