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The anticipation surrounding the upcoming live-actionHow to Train Your Dragonremake is palpable. Directed by Dean DeBlois and slated for a June 2025 release, the film promises to bring the enchanting world of Berk and its dragons to life. However, it carries the weight of expectations—and the haunting shadow of Disney’sThe Lion King(2019) live-action remake, which faltered in a critical area: emotional expression.
While there is no doubt that the originalThe Lion Kingis a cult classic, its live-action adaptation failed to bring home the essence of the movie. Here, we look at the one thing the upcoming remake does not follow in the footsteps of the 2019The Lion King.
The Lion Kinglive-action suffered due to lack of emotional expression
Disney’sThe Lion Kingremake dazzled visually but left audiences cold due to its commitment to hyper-realism. The photorealistic CGI lions, while stunning, lacked the vibrant expressions that made the animated original so beloved. Characters like Simba, Scar, and Nala struggled to convey emotions, leaving viewers disconnected. Instead of feeling like a heartfelt narrative, the film often resembled a wildlife documentary.
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The absence of expressive faces strippedThe Lion Kingof its emotional resonance. Even pivotal scenes, like Simba mourning Mufasa, failed to evoke the same heartbreak as the animated version. Critics and fans alike lamented the film’s inability to capture the depth of its predecessor.
For Dreamworks, this becomes an even bigger challenge considering the unique characters in theHow to Train Your Dragonfranchise. Toothless, for example, generally relies on expressions to communicate, something which is bound to become an issue if the same kind of approach, seen inThe Lion King,is followed.
How to Train Your Dragonlive-action will suffer if characters struggle to express emotions
In theHow to Train Your Dragonfranchise, Toothless, the Night Fury dragon, is a character with limited dialogue but boundless personality. His expressive eyes, playful movements, and nuanced facial cues are essential in forging his bond with Hiccup and the audience. These traits made Toothless not just a dragon but a beloved character with a depth of emotion that resonated across all ages.
The live-action remake must ensure Toothless retains these signature expressions. Stripping him of his animated charm in favor of hyper-realistic design would be disastrous. Without his emotive features, the heart of the story—the transformative friendship between a boy and his dragon—risks being lost.
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DreamWorks Animation, known for its ability to blend technology with storytelling, must prioritize emotional authenticity over sheer realism. While the live-action adaptation is an opportunity to showcase advanced CGI, the focus must remain on character-driven moments.
With June 2025 fast approaching, fans are eager to see how this adaptation unfolds.
Rishabh Bhatnagar
Editor/Reviewer
Articles Published :315
Rishabh Bhatnagar is an Entertainment and pop culture journalist/editor with Fandom Wire. He has more than 6 years of experience working for multiple major platforms and is himself an avid consumer of worthwhile content. A natural storyteller, Rishabh has a unique way with words and is always looking to improve, as a storyteller, writer, and a journalist.
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