This summer, we return to the Isle of Berk in the much-anticipated How To Train Your Dragon live-action reboot, and ahead of Toothless and Hiccup’s (Mason Thames) first flight, we’ve got a brand-new look behind the scenes of the film, with director and creator Dean DeBlois explaining the secrets behind bringing Berk to life. We also get some fresh looks at Hiccup’s father, Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler) — and he does look incredibly vast, we must say.

In the video, DeBlois — who was behind the original animated films which began releasing in 2010 — explains why he was so keen to come back:

“I decided to revisit How to Train Your Dragon, because I want you to feel the thrill of flying on top of a dragon, but also the fear that you could fall. Dragon fire is hot. Being in near death situations. Being in near death situations. I want that thrill to deliver that level of immersion and excitement, and it meant we had to build the Island of Berk.”

The video goes into great detail to show the love and craftmanship that has gone into recreating the beloved island that Hiccup and his friends call home, showing that no expense has been spared. John Hammond would be proud.

Is Gerard Butler in ‘How to Train Your Dragon’?

You bet he is. Butler told Collider last month, as part of Collider‘s Exclusive Preview event for the upcoming slate of Summer movies for 2025, that he was immensely proud and excited to be returning to the role that he first voiced 15 years ago.

“It has been a huge piece of my heart to be part of this franchise. This time, instead of stepping into the recording booth, I stepped into Stoick’s boots, strapped on his armor, put his helmet on my head and literally entered the world of Berk. I cannot wait for audiences around the world to get swept up in this heartwarming, hilarious and thrilling adventure.”

And remember, if you’d like to see the Isle of Berk for yourself, well, the new How to Train Your Dragon land at Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando opens later this month, where you can meet Hiccup, Toothless and all the gang in person.

How to Train Your Dragon opens in theaters on June 13, 2025.

via Collider