Warning: This article includes SPOILERS from How To Train Your Dragon 2 (2014!)Now that the live-action sequel has been confirmed prior to How to Train Your Dragon‘s debut, there’s one scene from the second movie I’m already petrified to see in this format. Dreamworks are keeping plenty of things the same from their critically acclaimed universe, in which Vikings and dragons inhabit the Isle of Berk. One important continuance is the design of Toothless, as well as the cast of How to Train Your Dragon, which will see Gerard Butler return to the role of Stoick the Vast. This creates a realm of new opportunities that will expand Dreamworks’ courageous world.

Toothless and Hiccup are one of the most beloved duos in animation, and their adventures have been every bit as tumultuous as they have been emotional. The series has resulted in a fully-fledged universe with How to Train Your Dragon movies and TV shows alike. With the animated sequel ranking as the best movie in the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, the sequel is already shaping up to be one of the biggest installments in the franchise. However, I’m glad there’s a prolonged wait before the new film because it gives me time to prepare for one heartbreaking scene.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 Will Likely Feature Stoick’s Death In Live-Action

Stoick’s Death Is A Pivotal Moment In The How to Train Your Dragon Franchise

The How to Train Your Dragon live-action sequel received official confirmation at CinemaCon in April 2025. The event, held in Las Vegas, did not reveal too many details about the project except for its scheduled release in June 2027. Given the movie was greenlit months ahead of the first film’s debut, there’s little information available about the plot, but it’s safe to ᴀssume the live-action continuation will stick to the 2014 animated story. If this is the case, the live-action sequel will almost certainly include the death of Hiccup’s father, Stoick the Vast.

Although some fans argue the live-action sequel shouldn’t adapt the second animated movie, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is the strongest entry in the franchise, which owes to its powerful family dynamic and heart-wrenching story. The most critical moment occurs during a battle against this film’s villain, Drago Bludvist, as Toothless is hypnotized and fires towards Hiccup. The young boy is saved by his father, who jumps in front of the blast, and the moment has since become so revered in the franchise that it’s hard to imagine how it could not be recounted in a similar story.

Gerard Butler’s Continued Role In How to Train Your Dragon Will Make His Character’s Death Even Worse

Stoick’s Death Is Set To Be Even More Poignant In The Live-Action Remake

There’s no doubt that Gerard Butler’s return for the live-action feature was one of the most exciting elements of the How to Train Your Dragon remake. Butler has been the voice of Stoick the Vast since Dreamworks’ first animated film in 2010, and the actor is now gearing up to play the live-action counterpart for the adaptation. This adds a sense of familiarity to the project, but more importantly, contributes greatly to the affinity we already have for the original movie. This means watching Stoick’s death for a second time, and in live-action, is going to be particularly difficult.

The features of live-action make these stories more realistic. The How to Train Your Dragon franchise is ideal for live-action, because it already has some of the most breathtaking visuals and world-building that could only benefit from adaptation. The upcoming How to Train Your Dragon movie will ultimately determine whether live-action is able to capture the essence of the original films. With that in mind, considering that Stoick’s fate is already regarded as one of the decade’s saddest deaths, the use of real actors and their portrayals promises an even more devastating experience for the live-action sequel.