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Seemingly following in the footsteps of Disney, whose live-action remakes are now more frequent than their animated movies, DreamWorks has decided to give us a live-action remake of one of its most famous series, How to Train Your Dragon. The live-action remake of the first movie is scheduled for a 2025 release, and we have recently received some new footage from the movie.

And while we could debate the purpose of such a live-action remake, it is happening, and there is not much we can do there.

The first visuals look pretty nice if you ask us, and we are sure that the film will retain some of the charm of the original animated series.

But, as you might have assumed, there are also some controversies surrounding the upcoming movie and the biggest one at this point is the casting of Nico Parker, daughter of actress Thandiwe Newton and filmmaker Ol Parker,...

Filmmaker Dean DeBlois has remade the much-loved animated film How To Train Your Dragon in live action. Here’s the trailer.

How To Train Your Dragon is one of the most beloved animated franchises of recent years. Chronicling the story of wannabe Viking warrior Hiccup and the bond he develops with his adorable dragon Toothless, so far three films have been released, in 2010, 2014 and 2019.

These days, the franchise encompasses the original series of books, a TV series, videogames and assorted merchandise. A film studio will never let a good intellectual property lie, and so it is that How To Train Your Dragon has been given the live action treatment courtesy of DreamWorks and Universal.

The synopsis reads as follows:

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast,...

The animated How to Train Your Dragon under DreamWorks has been a fan favorite movie for the past few decades. Therefore, now that Universal Studios announced their plans to transform the animation into a live-action film to retell the tale of Hiccup and his relationship with the endearing dragon, Toothless, fans’ excitement simply skyrocketed.

A still from How To Train Your Dragon | image: DreamWorks

However, after reputed media outlets revealed the casting for the role of Hiccup and Astrid, things took a bad turn. Fans’ excitement transformed into scrutiny and backlash over British actor Nico Parker’s casting as Astrid. As the trailer that showed Parker in a new hair, offering Astrid a completely different look compared to the animation, fans lost their mind over the difference.

Nico Parker Cast as Astrid in Live Action How to Train Your Dragon Movie

Universal Studios has picked up the original DreamWorks animated...

Following yesterday's long-awaited trailer debut, Universal Pictures has released a behind-the-scenes featurette for the live-action How to Train Your Dragon movie (via Toonado.com).

As well as teasing lots of new footage from the movie, we get our first proper look at Nico Parker's Astrid, Gabriel Howell as Snotlout, and Julian Dennison as Fishlegs. There's also plenty more of Chief Stoick the Vast, the role Gerard Butler reprises here after previously voicing him in the animated trilogy.

There's a great deal of excitement to see Toothless in a live-action setting and filmmaker Dean DeBlois has done what looks like a terrific job of casting this new version of the beloved story.

The studio no doubt hopes this movie launches a new franchise and, not coincidentally, 2025 will also see the debut of the Isle of Berk land at the upcoming Epic Universe section of Universal Orlando. We'd imagine there will...

As Dean DeBlois prepares to leap from animation to live-action for another adaptation of author Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon, a new first-look video highlights the vision, passion, and joy of returning to a familiar fantasy universe. In today’s behind-the-scenes look at Dreamworks‘ How to Train Your Dragon, DeBlois professes his love for Cowell’s exciting world and how thrilled he is to bring Hiccup and Toothless’s poignant story to the live-action silver screen.

“I decided to revisit How to Train Your Dragon because it felt like an amazing opportunity to not only direct a live-action movie but to be jumping back into a world that I frankly miss,” DeBlois says in today’s video. “I miss these characters. I miss this world, and I love movies that have a really poignant message buried deep within a moving spectacle. Adventure, wonder. That’s what this movie really packs.

We got the teaser trailer yesterday, but Universal Pictures and DreamWorks are keeping the fun going with a behind-the-scenes look at the new live-action How to Train Your Dragon movie. In a new video, director Dean DeBlois takes you into the world of Berk.

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast, Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon.

Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society. With the fierce and ambitious Astrid and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.

As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future.

Anne Hathaway is set to star in Amazon MGM Studios’ feature adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s thriller novel Verity.

Michael Showalter (The Eyes of Tammy Faye) is directing the film that is planned for a theatrical release. Nick Antosca wrote the current script following the previous work of scribes Hillary Seitz, Angela Lamanna and the team of Will Honley and April Maguire.

Verity centers on struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh, who is hired by Jeremy Crawford to complete the remaining books in a series penned by his wife, author Verity Crawford (Hathaway), who has suffered a mysterious accident. Lowen soon learns that a secret unfinished manuscript may reveal clues about the family’s past.

Serving as producers are Nick Antosca and Alex Hedlund for Eat the Cat, Showalter and Jordana Mollick for Semi-Formal Productions, Hathaway for Somewhere Pictures, Hoover for Heartbones Entertainment and Stacey Sher for Shiny Penny. Executive producing is Heartbones Entertainment’s Lauren Levine.

Universal has debuted the teaser trailer for the live-action reimagining of the film that launched the beloved franchise, ‘How To Train Your Dragon.’

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast, Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

With the fierce and ambitious Astrid and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.

As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it...

Universal Pictures hat den ersten Teaser Trailer der Realverfilmung von „Drachenzähmen leicht gemacht“ veröffentlicht. In den deutschen Kinos startet das Fantasy-Abenteuer am 12. Juni 2025.

Universal Pictures hat den ersten Teaser Trailer der Realverfilmung „Drachenzähmen leicht gemacht“ veröffentlicht, basierend auf der Buchreihe von Cressida Cowell und der erfolgreichen Animationsfilmtrilogie von Dreamworks Animation. Kreatives Mastermind ist Dean DeBlois, der auch für die Animationsfilme verantwortlich zeichnete, die weltweit über 1,6 Milliarden Dollar einspielten. Zum Cast gehören Mason Thames als Hicks, Gerard Butler, der im Realfilm nun die Rolle spielt, die er in den Animationsfilmen gesprochen hatte (nämlich Haudrauf der Stoische), Nico Parker als Astrid und Nick Frost als Grobian der Rülpser. Gabriel Howell spielt Rotzbakke. Die Dreharbeiten sollten ursprünglich im Juli 2023 in Belfast, Nordirland beginnen, ehe sie aufgrund des SAG-AFTRA-Streikes im Jahr 2023 verschoben wurden und schließlich erst im Januar 2024 beginnen konnten.

Dean DeBlois hat das Drehbuch geschrieben, den Film inszeniert und produziert. Ebenfalls zu...

The first trailer for the Universal Pictures “How To Train Your Dragon” live-action film was released today even though the film will not release for another several months on June 13, 2025.

This new film will be a “shot-for-shot” remake of the original film from 15 years earlier and will even bring Gerard Butler back as the Stoick. Dean DeBlois will be the writer and director on the film. He was a co-director of the original along with Chris Sanders.

Mason Thames will play Hiccup, and Nico Parker will play Astrid. Other actors include Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, and Murray McArthur.

As of this article, the trailer has had 1.98 million views (in 6 hours).

The comments are generally positive with many hoping that Toothless has the range of facial expressions that he does in the film.

The How To Train Your Dragon Live Action write- up reads,...

Things are heating up for Hiccup and Toothless in the teaser trailer for Universal Pictures’ live-action reimagining of How to Train Your Dragon.

Writer-director Dean DeBlois’ feature hits theaters June 13, 2025, and is a shot-for-shot remake of DreamWorks Animation’s hit animated film of the same name that was released in 2010. The new version stars Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nico Parker as Astrid. Rounding out the cast are Gerard Butler, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz and Murray McArthur.

The live-action How to Train Your Dragon centers on a young Viking named Hiccup (Thames), who sets out to hunt dragons but finds himself befriending one named Toothless.

“Dad, I can’t kill dragons,” he says in the trailer to his father, Stoick the Vast (Butler, reprising his role from the animated franchise). Hiccup’s dad responds firmly, “But you will.”

DeBlois, who...

It’s only a minute long but the first How to Train Your Dragon teaser trailer confirms so many elements about the live-action version. Toothless is basically Toothless from the animated films, Hiccup looks like fans expect him to, and even the finger placement as Hiccup touches Toothless for the first time matches the animated original. (A YouTube commenter pointed that out.)

Mason Thames (The Black Phone), Nico Parker (The Last of Us), Nick Frost (Truth Seekers), Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), and Gabriel Howell (Bodies) star. The cast also includes Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn (Smothered), Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club), Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy), and Murray McArthur (Game of Thrones).

Gerard Butler reprises his role as Chief Stoick the Vast from the animated films for the live-action adaptation.

“On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Thames) stands apart.

In Hollywood's never-ending quest to squeeze blood from a dragon, Dreamworks has entered the "live-action" remake game. The studio begins its journey by encouraging How To Train Your Dragon's aging fans to double dip on a story they already know with How To Train Your Dragon, a live-action remake of Dreamworks' beloved 2010 animated hit.

Watch the teaser trailer now and experience How To Train Your Dragon in theaters June 13. It’s playing with Wicked and it looks awesome in IMAX!

From three-time Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, comes a stunning live-action reimagining of the film that launched the beloved franchise.

Once again the CGI is brilliant and Toothless looks great!

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast, Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

With the fierce and ambitious Astrid and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber by his side, Hiccup confronts...

“How to Train Your Dragon” is getting the live-action adaptation treatment.

The 2010 DreamWorks Animated film, directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, was based on Cressida Cowell’s book series of the same name, and is getting a lavish live-action adaptation from DeBlois, who returned to write and direct, which is out on June 13, 2025. And you can watch the first teaser for the film below.

Mason Thames takes over as Hiccup, with Nico Parker as Astrid and Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick from the animated features. Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James and Ruth Codd also star. Composer John Powell also returns.

If you never saw the original movie, it follows a boy named Hiccup, whose Viking kingdom is based around fearing (and hunting) dragons. Of course, their whole worldview is challenged by the friendship that forms between Hiccup and Toothless, a black dragon that is part of...

From three-time Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind DreamWorks Animation's acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, comes the long-awaited live-action reimagining of the film that launched that now-iconic franchise.

Following several leaks (both of the camera phone and HD variety), Universal Pictures has finally released the official teaser trailer and poster (via Toonado.com) for this gorgeous new take on the 2010 animated classic.

Neither shows off too much but both sneak peeks make it clear that Toothless will look almost exactly like he did in the previous How to Train Your Dragon movies. Every studio on the planet learned from Paramount's mistake with Sonic the Hedgehog, so this is the right move even if he doesn't look as "realistic" as House of the Dragon's far scarier beasts.

The Lion King found great success in 2019 by sticking closely to the cartoon...

"When you carry this axe, you carry all of us with you." But why hurt the dragons? Universal Pictures has unveiled an official teaser trailer for their live-action How to Train Your Dragon movie, following the Disney trend of turning their animated classics into "live-action" movies that feature tons of animated CGI in them anyway. The original Httyd movie opened in theaters in 2010, and it was such a huge success for DreamWorks Animation they went on to make two more sequels, with the grand finale How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World landing in 2019. The story follows a young Viking boy as he aspires to help hunt dragons, and how he becomes unexpectedly a friend of a young dragon he decides to name Toothless. From the same director as the original three animated movies. Mason Thames (from The Black Phone) stars as Hiccup, Gerard Butler as Stoick, Nico Parker as Astrid,...

I’m not crying. You’re crying! Dreamworks is turning the waterworks to full-blast today with the first teaser trailer for the studio’s live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon. The preview gives us a front-row seat for the first meeting between Mason Thames‘ Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III and Toothless, the elusive and adorable Night Fury dragon. The highly-anticipated film soars into theaters on June 13, 2025, turning up the summer heat with dragon fire!

In How to Train Your Dragon, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III discovers dragons aren’t as terrifying as the stories would have him believe. Hiccup is an outsider, so people will likely brush his opinions aside. Still, when he proves to them that dragons are misunderstood and potentially friendly, he ushers in a new era where Vikings and dragons work together to build a shared society.

Today’s How to Train Your Dragon teaser trailer depicts...

Buckle up folks — we're flying back to Berk! Five years after DreamWorks bid a tearful farewell to Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III and his beloved scaly boi Toothless in How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, Dean DeBlois is mounting an ambitious live-action reimagining of the beloved franchise for, well, not quite a whole new generation (it has only been five years), but at least a new audience who may have somehow missed one of the defining animated film series of modern times. And if the eye-widening first teaser trailer for the movie is anything to go by, then it looks like fans and newcomers alike won't be disappointed by what DeBlois and co have in store:

Catch us going all Leonardo DiCaprio in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood watching this one. Look! It's Gerard Butler's Viking dad Stoick in live-action! Look! It's Berk in live-action! Look! It's...

Live-action remakes of beloved children's movies aren't just Disney's domain any more. DreamWorks is also getting in on the trend with "How to Train Your Dragon," a live-action adaptation of the 2010 animated film, which itself was based on the book series by Cressida Cowell. Dean DeBlois, one of the original two directors of the animated film, returned to helm this remake. Now, the first trailer for "How to Train Your Dragon" has dropped, introducing a familiar fantasy world that's been re-imagined with flesh-and-blood actors.

Mason Thames ("The Black Phone") stars as Hiccup, a 15-year-old Viking who lives in the dragon-hating village of Berk. As the son of the chieftain, Hiccup is under pressure to become a legendary dragon hunter, but instead ends up befriending a rare (and adorable) dragon called Toothless. DeBlois told Empire Magazine that the remake is "so dialled-up in terms of stakes — having a fully credible, photo-real dragon stomping around.

Hiccup and Toothless are finally in live-action for the first time ever.

Universal Studios has released the first trailer for its live-action adaptation of “How to Train Your Dragon,” after the popular DreamWorks Animation trilogy was released in the 2010s. The new movie flies into theaters on June 13.

The live-action version includes many of the original characters played by new faces. Among these are Mason Thames (“The Black Phone”) as Hiccup, Nico Parker as Astrid and Julian Dennison (“Deadpool 2”) as Fishlegs Ingerman. Gerard Butler plays Hiccup’s father Stoick the Vast, after the voiced the character in the animated trilogy.

The trailer introduces Hiccup, Stoick and Toothless, who look exactly like their animated counterparts. As part of his viking training, Hiccup is instructed to go out and kill a dragon, but instead he befriends the adorable dragon Toothless.

Dean DeBlois, who wrote and directed all three animated “How to Train Your Dragon” movies,...

This weekend, Universal will release one of the most hotly anticipated movies of the year into theaters: Wicked. And when people line up to watch it, they'll see a trailer for one of the most hotly anticipated movies from next year: a live-action remake of How To Train Your Dragon, another Universal joint.

Some theaters are having early screenings of Wicked (our review will be up later today). Attendees at those screenings also got to see the How To Train Your Dragon trailer early. Naturally, the trailer has already made its way onto the internet. Update: Since we wrote this, Universal released a proper version of the trailer, which you can watch above!

Loosely based on the 2003 book by Cressida Cowell, How To Train Your Dragon is about a Viking boy named Hiccup who finds the warlike Viking lifestyle difficult and stifling. As a young Viking, Hiccup is expected to slay dragons,...

Universal Pictures seems to have dropped the ball on How to Train Your Dragon's marketing campaign. For whatever reason, the teaser trailer started playing in select theaters this past weekend, resulting in our first look at the movie coming in the form of blurry social media screenshots.

Snippets of footage have since found their way online, but the trailer has now leaked in its entirety...in HD! We're not sure how this happened, but it presumably means the official version is mere hours away.

There's not too much to discuss here as the focus is primarily on early scenes from the movie as Hiccup's father, Stoick, encourages him to kill dragons like the rest of his fellow Vikings. However, when he encounters Toothless, a bond is formed during a moment that recreates an iconic scene from the 2010 animated feature.

As cool as it is to see this come to life,...

Update: You can now view the HD version of the How to Train Your Dragon trailer by clicking here.

The first teaser trailer for the live-action version of DreamWorks Animation's How to Train Your Dragon is currently playing in select theaters. While an online release is likely imminent, over a minute of footage has just leaked online.

It will likely be pulled down quickly but features the fateful first meeting between Hiccup and Toothless and a first look at Gerard Butler reprising his role from the animated movie as Stoick.

It doesn't appear as if the movie will veer too far away from what we saw in 2010; for some, that will come as good news and, for others, this will be 2019's The Lion King all over again.

Overall, though, the visuals look impressive and Toothless is essentially a slightly more refined version of his cartoon counterpart.

Butler recently...

Massive creatures with scales have become the focus of Empire‘s 2025 Preview as the entertainment magazine debuts new looks at Jurassic World Rebirth and Dean DeBlois’ live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon. DeBlois, who directed all three of Dreamworks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon films, is partnering with co-director Chris Sanders for the anticipated project. Bringing Hiccup and Toothless’ tale to live-action gives DeBlois a chance to share the fantasy epic with audiences with a new dimension, emotionality, and action. “It’s so dialled-up in terms of stakes — having a fully credible, photo-real dragon stomping around trying to kill him,” DeBlois told Empire regarding the film’s central dragon, Toothless, interacting with Hiccup, played by Mason Thames (The Black Phone).

In How to Train Your Dragon, Hiccup discovers dragons aren’t as terrifying as the stories would have him believe. Hiccup is an outsider, so people...

Across nearly a decade, the How To Train Your Dragon trilogy unspooled a heart-swelling coming-of-age story centred on the bond between boy and beast. And now, director Dean DeBlois – who helmed all three animated instalments, co-directing alongside Chris Sanders on the first film – is making the leap to live-action with the story that started it all. Yes, Viking youngster Hiccup and his not-so-scary dragon pal Toothless are about to gain a whole new dimension, as the Isle Of Berk is conjured in the flesh.

As DeBlois tells Empire, the move to live-action brings a different emphasis to How To Train Your Dragon; a new heft, both physically and emotionally. “It’s so dialled-up in terms of stakes — having a fully credible, photo-real dragon stomping around trying to kill him,” the director says, thinking about the scene in which Hiccup has to pretend to face off with Toothless for the benefit of Berk’s dragon-fearing people.

Update: Empire has now shared an official look at Hiccup. Talking to the site, director Dean DeBlois says, "[The movie is] so dialled-up in terms of stakes - having a fully credible, photo-real dragon stomping around trying to kill him."

You can see the still below and, beneath that, you'll find the original leak. 

World-exclusive...

How to Train Your Dragon successfully made the jump from books to film more than a decade ago, spawning a trilogy of beloved animated movies. However, when it was revealed that the first animated film in the franchise was being remade as a live-action entry, many fans were left skeptical about its prospects.

First images from live-action How To Train Your Dragon remake surface (Credit: Paramount Pictures)

According to reports, some images from the live-action adaptation have made their way online. As a result, netizens got their first look at the upcoming remake. Social media has since flooded with reactions to the looks of the fan-favorite pair Hiccup and Toothless in the live-action medium, with haters likely to change their minds after seeking the images.

How to Train Your Dragon Live Action Movie Drops First Images The Black Phone star Mason Thames plays Hiccup in the live-action remake (Credit: Universal Pictures...

Back in 2021, Universal Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, and director Scott Derrickson brought us an adaptation of the Joe Hill short story The Black Phone that appeared to tell a complete story that would stand on its own… but the film was made on a budget of around $16 million and earned over $160 million at the global box office. So, on October 17, 2025, we’ll be getting The Black Phone 2 – and with the release date eleven months away, Derrickson has now confirmed on social media that Black Phone 2 has started filming!

Based on a short story by Joe Hill, The Black Phone centered on Finney Shaw, a shy but clever 13-year-old boy, who is abducted by a sadistic killer and trapped in a soundproof basement...

Production on ‘The Black Phone 2’ is underway, with director Scott Derrickson sharing a behind-the-scenes snapshot that hints at the chilling return of Ethan Hawke’s character, the Grabber.

The photo shows a chair marked with the film’s title, signaling the beginning of shooting. Derrickson announced the news by stating, “Shooting started today.”

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A post shared by Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson)

The sequel promises to bring back familiar faces, including Ethan Hawke as the malevolent Grabber and Mason Thames, who will reprise his role as Finney.

The original cast members Madeleine McGraw, Miguel Mora, and Jeremy Davies are also returning, with Demián Bichir joining the chilling lineup.

Derrickson teams up again with C. Robert Cargill to bring this script to life, continuing the story inspired by Joe Hill’s original short story.

In ‘The Black Phone’, we see Finney defeat the Grabber, seemingly killing him...

Ethan Hawke will be back as The Grabber on Scott Derrickson’s The Black Phone 2, and the filmmaker has revealed on socials that production is now underway on the upcoming sequel.

Universal and Blumhouse will release The Black Phone 2 in theaters on October 17, 2025.

Mason Thames (How to Train Your Dragon, Incoming), Madeleine McGraw (Toy Story 4, Secrets of Sulphur Springs), Jeremy Davies (Justified) and Miguel Mora (The Black Phone) also set to return alongside Hawke. Demián Bichir (The Nun) has also joined the cast.

Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill will be writing and producing the upcoming sequel, with Derrickson directing. The first movie was based on Joe Hill’s short story.

In the first film, Finney (Thames), a shy but clever 13-year-old boy, is abducted by a sadistic killer (Hawke) and trapped in a soundproof basement where screaming is of little use.

When a disconnected phone on the wall begins to ring,...

In the wake of Sony’s success with Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us, which racked up $344.5M worldwide, Universal is getting in on the action with the New York Times bestselling author, having landed rights to her novel Reminders of Him. Though no director or stars are attached as of yet, the studio has aggressively dated the movie for Feb. 13, 2026 — the same Valetine’s Day corridor in which they’ve played their Fifty Shades of Grey movies.

Reminders of Him has sold over 5 million copies domestically, 6.5 million copies globally, and has been translated into 45 languages.

The novel follows Kenna Rowan, who returns to town after a five-year prison stint, hoping to reunite with her four-year-old daughter. But the bridges Kenna burned are proving impossible to rebuild. Everyone in her daughter’s life is determined to shut Kenna out, no matter how hard she works to prove herself. The...

Summertime on Martha’s Vineyard in 1997 provides the backdrop for Monster Summer, a coming-of-age mystery directed by David Henrie. Henrie draws from nostalgic 1980s adventure films to tell the story of young Noah and his friends encountering strange events in their coastal town. As a dark presence threatens the safety of local children, the group bands together to investigate. They join forces with gruff detective Gene, who brings his experience to help uncover the truth.

Noah leads the charge, hoping to follow in his late journalist father’s footsteps. Alongside loyal pals Ben, Sammy, and Eugene, he’s determined to publish an article for the paper. But mysterious occurrences keep mounting on the island, taking a turn when Ben mysteriously falls ill after a swim. His catatonic state leaves few clues except Noah’s suspicion of their house guest, Miss Halverson. As more children are similarly afflicted, it falls to...

I had low expectations for Monster Summer. Based on the trailer, it comes across as a Goosebumps and Stranger Things wannabe. The movie has a cast with a few notable names past their primes in such minor roles that you wonder who cashed in a favor or two.

Then there is Mel Gibson, the controversial Hollywood legend, who elevates this adventure horror film into something worth the price of admission. Gibson’s performance single-handedly elevates Monster Summer, which could have been a cheap knockoff, into something substantive.

Not to mention, this is a family “horror” film with a surprising amount of heart.

Mel Gibson in Monster Summer (2024) | Image via Pastime Pictures Related “What If I rob you?”: $425 Million Rich Mel Gibson Did Not Care About His Celebrity Status While Helping a Stranded Fan Monster Summer Review and Synopsis

The story follows a young teenager, Noah (The Black Phone’s...

Plot: When a mysterious force begins to disrupt their big summer fun, Noah and his friends team up with a retired police detective to embark on a monstrous adventure to save their island.

Review: It’s been a longstanding tradition for the horror genre to put kids on a grand adventure to solve a scary problem. Whether it’s The Goonies or The Monster Squad, they’re a fun way to get kids interested in slightly darker fare. Some scary elements to help intrigue and encourage future dalliances into more depraved cinema. Monster Summer does a good job of keeping that spirit alive, but feels so all over the place, that it never settles into a proper goal.

Monster Summer follows Noah (Mason Thames) and his friends as they try to solve the strange happenings in their hometown. Teens are starting to disappear, only to return in an almost catatonic state.

Yes, even though we’re a few weeks into Fall the box office is still ruled by kid-friendly flicks about CGI-animated robots (top two on the charts last weekend). And this new release hopes to follow, though it’s actually a “kid-flick” about a group of teens starring a pack of young thespians (and a couple of older vets too). Plus they’re embarking on an adventure just perfect for spooky October (and no they don’t have a big cowardly pooch). Now the Little Rascals (or Our gang) trekked through many haunted abodes, but that theme didn’t really invade features until the 1980s with The Goonies and those underdogs in The Monster Squad (a cult fave). In the last couple of years, the Ghostbusters have included several youngsters, but there are no “proto-packs” around for the minors trying to survive a Monster Summer.

After a bone-chilling prologue, the...

A genial juvenile adventure that’s equal parts “The Hardy Boys” and “Goosebumps,” “Monster Summer” has Mason Thames (the principal child captive in “The Black Phone”) in considerably less-disturbing peril as a Martha’s Vineyard resident who comes to suspect witchery afoot. David Henrie’s slick exercise in lite supernatural suspense is aimed at younger viewers, though their parents may also be diverted by the cast’s elder members, including Mel Gibson, Lorraine Bracco and Kevin James. It’s a fun movie that lands on the right side of “innocuous,” being pleasantly formulaic rather than simply bland. Pastime Pictures is releasing the feature (previously called “The Boys of Summer”) to U.S. theaters on Oct. 4.

Aspiring to become a journalist like his late, globe-trotting father, Noah (Thames) has no more pressing desire than to get an article published in the area newspaper. But its unamused editor only wants material pleasing to tourists and advertisers,...

A few months ago, I would have predicted that Joker: Folie à Deux would be one of the year’s biggest movies. Yet, in the weeks since it made a rather anticlimactic debut at the Venice Film Festival, where many critics met it with a collective shrug, the word-of-mouth on the film has been tepid at best. Compare that to the original Joker, which came out on the same weekend back in 2019 and was a cultural phenomenon, with it being the controversial water-cooler movie everyone Had to see. It opened with a massive $96 million, which is terrific for an R-rated movie, on its way to a $336 million domestic gross and over a billion bucks at the worldwide box office.

Conversely, the sequel is only tracking to open in the $50-60 million range, which is troubling for a film with a reported $200 million budget. We saw the movie (read our review...

Do you remember the first scary movie you watched? To be fair, mine was Halloween, so I got an early taste of R-rated terror. However, for many, it was something like The Monster Squad, The Watcher in the Woods, or perhaps The Gate. And now, we have a fun ride with the good and spooky natured, Monster Summer. Featuring Mel Gibson, Lorraine Bracco, and Mason Thames. For Mason, who was terrific in The Black Phone (and will soon be seen in The Black Phone 2), the actor proves that he is one to watch. The actor brings heart to his performance and shines opposite Gibson.

Recently, I sat down with the two, and the legendary Mel Gibson (who we previously interviewed Here), was full of praise for his younger co-star. Both actors work especially well together, and frankly, it’s not surprising that Thames is getting a ton of work on genre projects.

Monster Summer is a spooky family adventure from director David Henrie (Wizards of Waverly Place) following an unexpected friendship between a kid and a secluded old man that forms when strange things start unfolding in their town.

Mason Thames stars as Noah, whose best friend is mysteriously changed after an accident. Soon, more similar cases start popping up, leading Noah to ask for help in Mel Gibson's Gene, a former police detective with a tragic past.

Here's Why Mason Thames' Monster Summer Is So Spooky Read full article on The Direct.

Selena Gomez poses with on-screen brother David Henrie at the premiere for his upcoming new movie Monster Summer held at DGA Theater Complex on Tuesday (September 24) in Los Angeles.

The 32-year-old actress showed her support for the 35-year-old actor, who directed the horror film – his second directorial feature.

Selena and David were also seen posing with the cast of the film at the premiere, including Mason Thames, Julian Lerner, Abby James Witherspoon, Noah Cottrell, Nora Zehetner, Patrick Renna, Lilah Pate and Mel Gibson, who made a rare red carpet appearance with two of his kids, Lucia, 14, and Lars, 7.

Also stepping out to show their support were David‘s wife Maria, his dad James and brother Lorenzo, who both are also producers on the movie, as well as his Wizards Beyond Waverly Place co-stars Mimi Gianopulos, Janice LeAnn Brown, Alkaio Thiele, Max Matenko and Taylor Cora.

Here’s a synopsis: When...

“Monster Summer” is a new live-action adventure feature, directed by David Henrie, starring Mason Thames, Mel Gibson, Lorraine Bracco, Nora Zehetner, Abby James Witherspoon, Julian Lerner and Noah Cottrell, opening October 4, 2024 in theaters:

“…a group of kids investigate a strange phenomenon that threatens their town. Is it monsters? Are monsters secretly on the loose?

“Noah’ and his friends team up with a retired police detective (Gibson) to embark on a monstrous adventure to save their island…”

Click the images to enlarge…

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The Halloween season is in full swing and October is right around the corner. What does that mean? Well, it means we’re about to be hit with an absolute deluge of new horror movies.

October is always loaded up on fresh frights on the small screen and big screen, and that’s why we’ve put together the ultimate Halloween Movie Guide with a spotlight on 31 New Horror Movies releasing throughout October. 31 days… 31 new movies… it seems only right.

Read on for Bloody Disgusting’s Halloween 2024 Movie Guide!

Bloody Disgusting’s Halloween Movie Guide is presented by Apartment 7A starring Julia Garner. Add the new psychological thriller to your Halloween watch list.

Crackcoon – October 1 – Screambox

Just when you thought it was safe to take out the trash… The Screambox Original horror-comedy Crackcoon has been fittingly described as “Rocket Raccoon meets Cocaine Bear.” In the film directed by Brad Twigg,...

Something special happened in Malibu on Saturday.

Global superstar Pink took a break from her record-setting Summer Carnival tour to hit the stage at a far more intimate venue than the arenas she’s been selling out in recent months by performing at Rock4EB! alongside singer-songwriter Dallas Green. The pair headlined the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation’s annual fundraiser by performing as you + me, their onetime side project. The event, held at the hilltop home of Brillstein-Entertainment Partners leader Marc Gurvitz, was a star-packed affair set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, hosted once again by Judd Apatow and featuring a (savage) stand-up set by Jim Jefferies.

Special because of the elements. The guest list included Brad Pitt, Courteney Cox, Kaley Cuoco, Tom Pelphrey, Elizabeth Olsen, Charlie Hunnam, Damien Chazelle, Ed O’Neill, Jackson Browne, Kim Basinger, Mason Thames, Mckenna Grace, Aj Michalka, Aly Michalka and Catherine Bell,...

When a mysterious force begins to disrupt their big summer fun, Noah and his friends team up with a retired police detective to embark on a monstrous adventure to save their island. The film stars  starring Mel Gibson, Mason Thames and Lorraine Bracco. Directed by David Henrie, with a score from composer Frederik Wiedmann, Monster Summer opens in theaters on October 4, 2024.

The St. Louis screening is on Saturday, Sept 28th, 11:00am at Ronnies.

Pass Link: http://gofobo.com/MGerV82355

Please arrive early as seating is not guaranteed.

Monster Summer is rated PG-13.

Wizards of Waverly Place actor David Henrie is back behind the camera as the director of the new movie Monster Summer, which is arriving right in time for Halloween.

JustJared.com is exclusively debuting seven new character posters for the movie, featuring actors Mason Thames, Mel Gibson, Lorraine Bracco, and more.

Here’s a synopsis: When a mysterious force begins to disrupt their big summer fun, Noah (Thames) and his friends team up with a retired police detective (Gibson) to embark on a monstrous adventure to save their island.

Also featured on their own character posters are Patrick Renna, Noah Cottrell, Julian Lerner, and Abby James Witherspoon.

Mason is best known for starring in the acclaimed horror film The Black Phone and will soon be seen in the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon.

Make sure to watch the trailer for Monster Summer and check the movie...

Auf dem Markt in Toronto stellte Constantin Film seine kommende Colleen-Hoover-Produktion „Regretting You“ erstmals vor – und fand sofort einen US-Käufer: Paramount Pictures wird die neueste Adaption eines Buchs der „Nur noch ein einziges Mal“ in Nordamerika auswerten.

Bestsellerautorin Colleen Hoover (Credit: Imago/Eventpress/mp)

Ein echter Coup ist Constantin Film beim Filmmarkt des 49. Toronto International Film Festival gelungen: Nachdem Ende August bekanntgegeben worden war, dass der deutsche Filmkonzern sich die Filmrechte an dem Bestseller „Regretting You“ von Colleen Hoover sichern konnte, konnte gleich beim ersten Marktauftritt Vollzug gemeldet werden: Paramount Pictures wird die nächste Adaption der Erfolgsautorin von „Nur noch ein einziges Mal“ in die US-Kinos bringen.

Mehr als 325 Mio. Dollar hat „Nur noch ein einziges Mal“ bereits weltweit in den Kinos eingespielt – und damit unter Beweis gestellt, wie heiß Adaptionen der Bestseller von Colleen Hoover für das Kino sind – sie gilt als aktuell erfolgreichste Schriftstellerin der Welt. Constantin Film...

Paramount Pictures has announced plans to adapt the 2019 bestseller, Colleen Hoover’s Regretting You. Josh Boone is set to direct and Allison Williams is set to star in the film. It’s believed the studio wants to replicate the success of It Ends with Us.

Hoover’s Work Has Already Proved Successful At The Movies

Regretting You revolves around the fallout of a tragedy. Morgan Grant wants her daughter Clara to avoid the mistakes she made in life while her husband Chris plays peacemaker. Things take a turn, however, when Chris gets involved in an accident, leaving Morgan and Clara to rebuild.

Allison Williams – YouTube

Hoover’s work has already proven to be a potential hit maker. Her 2016 book It Ends with Us saw a film adaptation in 2024, which proved to be a sleeper hit. The film also notably featured Blake Lively, Brandon Sklenar, and Justin Baldoni, who also served as a director.

Roblox players have more horror on the way, courtesy of the upcoming David Henrie-directed Monster Summer and Soma Games. Available now, Monster Summer: Escape is a new Roblox experience that’s been released as part of the film, which arrives in theaters on October 4.

Monster Summer: Escape aims to offers up an innovative multi-dimensional experience “that bridges the realms of cinema and gaming.” Players will delve into the film’s vibrant, monster-infested universe, immersing themselves in the excitement and wonder of its thrilling narrative.

Within the game, players can:

Race your friends to the spooky old house in the woods

Piece together a torn map to find its treasure buried in the forest

Compete to be the top exterminator in our Whack-a-Rat minigame

Brave the deadly flooded basement and live to tell the tale

Expand your badge collection with new comic-inspired badges

Listen to the film’s Original Soundtrack...

We've just learned some new information about The Black Phone 2 that many horror fans will be excited about. Academy nominee Demián Bichir has officially joined the cast of the highly anticipated sequel from Universal and Blumhouse in an undisclosed role.

The Black Phone 2 is a sequel to the supernatural horror film The Black Phone, which is about a teen boy who is abducted and held captive by a masked serial killer known as "The Grabber." Scott Derrickson, who co-wrote the script for the first film with C. Robert Cargill as well as directed it, returns to helm the sequel and co-write its script with Cargill again.

Unfortunately, plot details on The Black Phone 2 are still being kept under wraps, but we do know who else will be in the cast besides Bichir. Ethan Hawke (The Grabber), Mason Thames (Finney), Madeleine McGraw (Gwen), Jeremy Davies (Terrence), and Miguel Mora...