How To Train Your Dragon added a notable detail to Astrid’s character that could impact her story in the sequel. DreamWorks’ first live-action remake is mostly a sH๏τ-for-sH๏τ remake of the original film. It follows the same narrative, features much of the same dialogue, and includes the most iconic scenes from the animated version, such as the “Test Drive” sequence.
Despite similarities to the original, HTTYD is performing well at the box office. Even before its successful theatrical run, Universal greenlit the sequel, and it’s likely now that this will be a live-action trilogy. However, How to Train Your Dragon 2 may not be another sH๏τ-for-sH๏τ remake like its predecessor.
The 2025 film includes a few small additions that may lead to more prominent changes in the sequel, especially with Astrid. Her motivations are more fleshed out in this film, giving her a backstory that makes her character arc more compelling. If the sequel capitalizes on these changes, it could lead to a significant alteration in her and Hiccup’s storylines.
Live-Action How To Train Your Dragon’s Astrid Wants To Be Chief Someday
Astrid Is More Determined To Lead Than Hiccup
In the animated films, Astrid is a fierce, relentless warrior who has a gift for fighting dragons. She’s fearless and is determined to win the Trial of Flame and kill a dragon. However, it’s never explained why or how she became a dragon-fighting prodigy. It’s just accepted among the people of Berk that she’s the best of the next generation and Hiccup is essentially useless.
However, the live-action remake adds context to Astrid’s motivation. She says she came from nothing and wants to win so she can eventually become chief and enjoy the luxuries she believes Hiccup takes for granted. When she and Hiccup argue about the dragons, she takes offense as she wants to protect her people and is appalled that he would even suggest siding with the dragons.
How To Train Your Dragon 2 Could End With Astrid Becoming Chief Instead Of Hiccup
Astrid’s Live-action Journey Could Be Different From The Original
HTTYD 2 ends with Hiccup accepting the role as chief of Berk. After Stoick is killed by Drago, Hiccup and the other villagers free their dragons from Drago’s control and exile him to the sea. Hiccup takes over from his father as the leader of Berk, with Toothless by his side as the new Alpha. It’s a tragic pᴀssing of the torch, but Hiccup isn’t afraid to accept the responsibility.
It is a great character arc for Hiccup, but it could be worthwhile to see DreamWorks shake things up for the sequel by making Astrid the next chief. She had a better relationship with Stoick in the remake than in the animated film, so it wouldn’t be entirely surprising if he felt she was more worthy of leading Berk than Hiccup.
However, the remake followed the animated film almost exactly, meaning Hiccup is positioned to be the next chief of Berk. He led his friends in their battle against the Red Death and ended the war between dragons and Vikings. Still, this would be a unique way to go in a different direction from the animated films, providing an alternate direction for each character.
Astrid & Hiccup Could Still Get Married Later, But Her Being Formally In Charge Would Play To Both Their Strengths
Astrid Shows More Leadership Qualities
Hiccup demonstrates leadership ability in How To Train Your Dragon, but he doesn’t seem interested in leading Berk. His bigger concern is creating peace between humans and dragons, and he isn’t concerned about the politics of the region. Astrid is a tough character who has the ᴀssertiveness needed to be a chief.
The two are a powerful couple, and making Astrid chief could play to both of their strengths. Astrid can handle the political issues of Berk and the surrounding region, while Hiccup teaches future generations about dragons or helps other communities find peaceful solutions to dragons. Both characters can shine, and the sequels can add to the story rather than sticking to familiar territory.
How to Train Your Dragon 2 will release in theaters on June 11, 2027.
