The How to Train Your Dragon remake set up a possible change to Astrid’s story that will be difficult for the sequel to follow through on. While the live-action remake of this beloved film received positive reviews and is performing well at the box office, it makes very few changes from the original movie. However, Astrid does receive some improvements to her story.
In the remake, Astrid is determined to become the chief of Berk, giving more context to her motivations and putting her at odds with Hiccup. It explains her ferocity and cleverness in battle, and why she’s desperate to win the Trial of Flame. She has the qualities of a great chief, as she’s a talented warrior and a natural leader.
However, those who have seen the original trilogy know that Hiccup is destined to become chief. After his father, Stoick, dies, Hiccup takes his father’s place, but Astrid becoming chief instead would be an interesting twist for the remake. Still, there is another reason why this change in How To Train Your Dragon 2 would be complicated.
Astrid Becoming Chief Instead Of Hiccup Would Hurt A Key How To Train Your Dragon Story
Hiccup & Toothless Become Leaders Together
In HTTYD 2‘s ending, Hiccup and Toothless take significant steps in their character arcs. Hiccup becomes the chief of Berk, and Toothless becomes the Alpha of the dragons. They each become leaders of their tribes while still remaining loyal to one another. The film continues one part of what makes this franchise work, which is the shared character arc of Hiccup and his dragon.
Both characters are different and feel isolated within their groups in HTTYD. Through their bond, they both grow in confidence and learn to work together. They also go through adversity together, as both were pivotal to the other’s recovery from injuries. Hiccup helped Toothless fly after he lost half of his tail wing, and Toothless helped Hiccup learn to walk again after losing his leg.
Their new roles as chief and alpha are special because of their shared stories. If Astrid became chief, it would cut into the similar journey that Hiccup and Toothless experience. They both become leaders simultaneously, strengthening their bond and making them the powerful duo that is the heart of the franchise.
However, there is a chance that Astrid could become more of a leader alongside Hiccup. Both characters could become co-chiefs, with Astrid handling the security and political issues of Berk, while Hiccup educates the rest of the village on dragons and searches for new resources that will help Berk thrive.
Astrid and Hiccup get married in the films, but not until HTTYD 3: The Hidden World. The remakes could speed up their relationship, making them the powerful duo that leads Berk to a promising future. There is a possible way for Astrid to achieve her dream of becoming chief, but it can’t cut into the heart of How to Train Your Dragon 2‘s story.
