Isle of Berk Turns Dreams Into Reality for the How to Train Your Dragon Creator
The grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe brought a truly special guest to the Isle of Berk: Dean DeBlois, the creative genius behind the How to Train Your Dragon movies and director of the upcoming live-action adaptation. Fans couldn’t get enough as DeBlois explored the park’s detailed recreation of the Viking village and shared his thoughts on seeing his work brought to life.
Stepping into a Dream
In a video shared by the How To Train Your Dragon official page, DeBlois appeared emotional as he stepped into the Isle of Berk, a land designed to immerse visitors in the world of dragons. From the towering cliffs to the Viking-style architecture and lifelike animatronic dragons, every detail reflects the magic of the animated films. At the entrance, DeBlois spotted a stone engraved with a familiar line. “I wrote that,” he said, pointing to the inscription. “That’s part of Hiccup’s monologue from How to Train Your Dragon 2.”
The attention to detail extends throughout the land. Visitors can walk through iconic locations like the Great Hall and the village, each recreated with precision and care. It’s a dream come true for fans who have long imagined stepping into the world of Berk.
We, my friends, have dragons 🐉 Watch Dean DeBlois experience the Isle of Berk at Epic Universe for the first time! Don’t miss #HowToTrainYourDragon in theaters June 13. pic.twitter.com/ZWttMewIiM
— #HowToTrainYourDragon (@HTTYDragon) June 2, 2025
As he wandered through the park, DeBlois shared his awe at the level of detail. “Honestly, it’s very overwhelming,” he said. He also joined a meet-and-greet with Toothless, alongside Mason Thames and Gerard Butler, who star in the live-action movie. Reflecting on the franchise’s journey, DeBlois commented, “When you become a theme park now, you know it really stuck. People get to walk around and experience it. This is a world we made, a bunch of us animation nerds, and it’s become so much bigger.” Thames, who plays Hiccup in the film, thanked DeBlois for bringing this incredible world to life, saying, “Thank you for making this world.”
DeBlois also took time to interact with fans, many of whom shared their love for the series and excitement for the upcoming movie. His heartfelt connection with the fanbase has been a cornerstone of the franchise’s enduring success.
Adventures Around Every Corner
The Isle of Berk is packed with attractions for fans. There’s a heart-racing dragon-riding roller coaster, interactive dragon-lore exhibits, and Mead Hall-inspired dining spots. The highlight? A jaw-dropping meet and greet with Toothless, which breathes and moves like it flew straight out of the movies.
For those looking for more immersive experiences, the park offers live-action performances featuring trained actors portraying Viking warriors and dragon trainers.
Bringing Berk to the Big Screen
Excitement is building for the live-action How to Train Your Dragon film, also directed by DeBlois. Starring Mason Thames as Hiccup and Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick the Vast, the movie promises to stay true to the heart of the original trilogy while giving fans a fresh perspective on the characters and their relationships.
The film will dive deeper into the themes of friendship, courage, and the bond between humans and dragons. With cutting-edge special effects and a talented cast, the live-action adaptation aims to bring the magic of Berk to life in an entirely new way.
A Date with Destiny
Mark your calendars! The live-action How to Train Your Dragon soars into theaters on June 13, 2025. With the immersive park experience and the upcoming film, the legacy of How to Train Your Dragon is reaching new heights, delighting both longtime fans and newcomers to the enchanting world of dragons.
Are you excited for this new live-action adaptation? Let us know in the comments below.
