The live-action adaptation of "How to Train Your Dragon" held its Los Angeles premiere on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the David Geffen Theater at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The film is set to release in theaters next Friday, June 13.

Gerard Butler, who reprises his role as Stoick the Vast, the courageous leader of Berk and Hiccup's distant father, from the animated films, attended the premiere with his longtime girlfriend, Morgan Brown. Butler is the only original cast member to reprise his role in the live-action adaptation. Other cast members who walked the blue carpet included Mason Thames (Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III), Nico Parker (Astrid Hofferson), Nick Frost (Gobber the Belch), Julian Dennison (Fishlegs Ingerman), Gabriel Howell (Snotlout Jorgenson), Bronwyn James (Ruffnut Thorston), Harry Trevaldwyn (Tuffnut Thorston), Ruth Codd, and Andrea Ware. Dean DeBlois, the director/screenwriter/producer, and Cressida Cowell, the author of the original "How to Train Your Dragon" book series, were also present.

Prior to the Los Angeles premiere, the cast had been to London, Brazil and Orlando, Florida, for the grand opening of Universal Epic Universe, where they checked out the "How to Train Your Dragon"-themed land.

"How to Train Your Dragon" charts the changing relationship between Vikings and dragons. Hiccup, the inventive and often overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast, befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon, defying the traditions of Viking society. Their bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the foundations of Viking society.

Mason Thames and Nico Parker were chosen for their roles after chemistry reads with various actors. DeBlois noted that they "rose up among all the very strong candidates" and that their connection was "electrifying." He further explained that Nico Parker embodies the essence of Astrid, even if she doesn't look exactly like her animated counterpart.

Gerard Butler expressed excitement about the possibility of Cate Blanchett reprising her role as Valka in the already-planned sequel. He shared that the role was originally written for her.

Cast members shared some of their experiences filming, including doing dragon scenes meters above the air and getting used to it. Harry Trevaldwyn described the "terrifying" experience of watching the elaborate dragon props being dismantled on set, likening it to a horror movie.

The weather in Los Angeles on the day of the premiere was partly cloudy, with a temperature of 64°F (18°C) and 77% humidity.