Fans of the beloved franchise have a thrilling summer ahead as the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon prepares to take flight. Universal Pictures and DreamWorks, in partnership with FlickDirect, are offering an exclusive opportunity for viewers to catch an advance screening of the highly anticipated film before its official release on June 13, 2025. The advance screenings are scheduled for 7:00 pm at AMC Aventura in Miami and AMC Veterans in Tampa, Florida.
To participate in the contest for 'admit two' passes, interested individuals must subscribe to FlickDirect's YouTube channel and send a photo for verification to [email protected], specifying their preferred screening location. Entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM on June 7, 2025, and are limited to one pass per household. Contestants must be at least 13 years old, and seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no guarantees of seating.
The film, rated PG, stars Mason Thames as Hiccup, the inventive and overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast, voiced by Gerard Butler, who reprises his role from the animated franchise. Set on the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have long been adversaries, the story follows Hiccup as he defies tradition by befriending Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond challenges Viking society's deeply held beliefs about dragons, revealing a new understanding of these creatures.
Gerard Butler recently shared some lighthearted reflections on his involvement in the live-action production, which was filmed in Northern Ireland. He joked about the change of pace, saying it was fun to “get out of my pyjamas and actually put on a costume,” highlighting the unique experience of bringing this beloved story to life in a new form. The live-action film is based on the 2003 book How to Train Your Dragon, following the success of the original 2010 DreamWorks animated movie.
Adding to the excitement, Butler and his co-stars took part in a special immersive event in London on June 3, 2025. Hosted at FRAMELESS, a multi-sensory gallery known for its cutting-edge visual and audio technology, the event transported fans into the vivid world of Berk and its dragons. This lifelike adventure allowed attendees to experience the film's universe in a fresh and engaging way. The gathering also celebrated the upcoming theatrical release and the recent grand opening of new How to Train Your Dragon attractions at Universal Epic Universe, which took place in May 2025.
Mason Thames, who brings Hiccup to life in the live-action adaptation, was a standout presence at the London immersive experience. He wore a striking Valentino Pre-Fall 2025 suit, featuring a hypnotic patchwork puzzle print made of varying blocks of houndstooth. The bold yet refined design, crafted by Alessandro Michele, perfectly captured a blend of traditional tailoring with contemporary flair. Thames’s confident and considered fashion choice underscored his rising star status as he navigates the spotlight.
The live-action How to Train Your Dragon promises to deliver a fresh take on the cherished story, blending adventure, heart, and stunning visuals. Fans who want to be among the first to see the film in Florida have until June 7 to enter the FlickDirect contest for advance screening passes. As seats are limited and not guaranteed, early arrival is encouraged for those lucky enough to win.
This summer, audiences will once again embark on a journey to the island of Berk, witnessing the transformative friendship between a young Viking and a legendary dragon. With a talented cast led by Mason Thames and Gerard Butler, cutting-edge immersive experiences, and a passionate fanbase, How to Train Your Dragon is set to soar to new heights.
