How to Train Your Dragon Soars with $9M Preview, Eyes Blockbuster Opening
Live-Action Reboot Captivates Audiences
Universal’s reimagining of How to Train Your Dragon is already taking flight, generating an estimated $8 million to $9 million in preview showings. This strong start suggests the film is poised for a potentially massive opening weekend, exceeding initial projections.
Early Box Office Estimates Surge
While earlier forecasts predicted a $65 million to $75 million debut, industry analysts now believe the film could reach $100 million domestically. Exhibitors are actively promoting the movie, hoping to capitalize on the post-Memorial Day demand for family-friendly entertainment.
The audience score on Rotten Tomatoes currently stands at an impressive 99%, while critics have awarded it a “Certified Fresh” rating of 77%. This positive reception is comparable to Lilo & Stitch, which garnered a 72% critic score and a 93% audience score.
Comparing to Past Successes
The preview earnings for How to Train Your Dragon are comparable to those of Frozen 2 ($8.5 million previews, $130.2 million opening), but fall short of Lilo & Stitch’s $14.5 million ($146 million opening). The film’s early numbers also surpass Transformers: Rise of the Beasts ($7.6 million, $61 million opening).
This live-action adaptation is already outperforming previous installments in the How to Train Your Dragon series. It significantly exceeds the $3 million preview total of How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World ($55 million opening) and dwarfs the $2 million earned by How to Train Your Dragon 2 ($49.4 million opening).
The original animated How to Train Your Dragon trilogy has collectively grossed nearly $1.7 billion worldwide. According to the Motion Picture Association, global box office revenue reached $33.9 billion in 2023, demonstrating the continued appeal of theatrical experiences. MPA 2023 Report
Directed by a Familiar Hand
The film is directed by Dean DeBlois, who also helmed all three of the original animated How to Train Your Dragon movies. His involvement has likely contributed to the positive reception from fans and critics alike.
Further updates on the film’s opening weekend performance will be available tomorrow.
