David Bridges
The latest live-action adaptation, Universal’s How to Train Your Dragon, has soared into theaters and is proving to be a massive success. With a remarkable opening, the film has generated $197.8 million globally, showcasing its strong appeal. Of that impressive total, 4 million was earned from international markets, particularly from countries like Mexico, the UK, Ireland, and China, which have emerged as significant contributors to its box office triumph. Both critics and audiences have responded positively to this adaptation, and the enduring popularity of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, which includes three animated films and various television series chronicling the adventures of Hiccup and Toothless, has undoubtedly played a role in its success. The film’s trailers have been prominently featured in theaters, further boosting anticipation. As the first DreamWorks film to receive a live-action remake, it’s clear why families and young adults are eager to experience this new version, leading to Universal confirming a sequel set for release in June 2027.
In addition to How to Train Your Dragon, another summer remake, Lilo & Stitch, continues to perform well at the box office. This beloved Disney classic added an impressive $46.6 million to its global earnings, bringing its total to $858 million. Similar to How to Train Your Dragon, the majority of its revenue has come from international audiences, pulling in $31.3 million internationally while securing $15.5 million from domestic markets. If the trend continues, Lilo & Stitch could become the first film of 2025 to surpass the $1 billion mark in the coming weeks, marking a significant milestone for the franchise.
As the summer movie season heats up, How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch will soon be joined by Pixar’s eagerly anticipated film, Elio, which is set to hit theaters next week. Following that, the older audience will be treated to M3GAN 2.0 and F1, both releasing on June 27. The excitement continues into July with the arrival of Jurassic World Rebirth on July 2, followed by Superman on July 11 and Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25. It’s clear that we are now fully immersed in the thrilling summer movie season!
For those craving more news from io9, be sure to stay updated on the latest releases from Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek. Discover what’s next for the DC Universe in film and television, and catch up on everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Daniel Mercer
