"SOARING TO LIFE: THE MAKING OF HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON" SPECIAL TO AIR FRIDAY, JUNE 6 AT 8 P.M. ON NBC AND NEXT DAY ON PEACOCK

Universal Pictures' Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon Arrives in Theaters June 13

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - May 22, 2025 - NBC invites audiences behind the scenes to one of the most anticipated cinematic reimaginings of the decade with "Soaring to Life: The Making of How to Train Your Dragon," airing Friday, June 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT and available to stream next day on Peacock.

This half-hour primetime special follows the journey of three-time Academy Award(R) nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean Deblois - writer and director of both the acclaimed animated trilogy and the upcoming live-action film - from his original vision for the DreamWorks Animation franchise to his cinematic approach in reimagining How to Train Your Dragon for the big screen. The film opens in theaters nationwide on June 13.

"Soaring to Life: The Making of How to Train Your Dragon" immerses audiences in the world of Berk like never before. From elaborate handcrafted sets to cutting-edge filmmaking technology, the special reveals a behind-the-scenes look at the passion, innovation and emotional storytelling that power this modern epic.

Anchored by How to Train Your Dragon stars Mason Thames, Nico Parker and Gerard Butler, the special will reveal the ornate sets, cutting-edge technology and passionate storytelling that helped create the ultimate exhilarating, immersive and emotional theatrical experience.

Also, starting today, fans can soar with dragons in the colorful, fully alive How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, one of five immersive worlds at the all-new Universal Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort.

ABOUT HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

From three-time Oscar(R) 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.

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), 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 (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village's quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) 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 means to be a hero and a leader.

The film also stars Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Bodies), Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn (Smothered), Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club), BAFTA nominee Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Murray McArthur (Game of Thrones).

How to Train Your Dragon is written, produced and directed by DeBlois. It is also produced by three-time Oscar(R) nominee Marc Platt (Wicked, La La Land) and Emmy Award winner Adam Siegel (Drive, 2 Guns). How To Train Your Dragon is part of the Filmed For IMAX(R)Program, which offers filmmakers IMAX(R) technology to help them deliver the most immersive movie experience to audiences around the world.

Inspired by Cressida Cowell's New York Times bestselling book series, DreamWorks Animation's How to Train Your Dragon franchise has captivated global audiences, earning four Academy Award(R) nominations and grossing more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office. Now, through cutting-edge visual effects, DeBlois transforms his beloved animated saga into a breathtaking live-action spectacle, bringing the epic adventures of Hiccup and Toothless to life with jaw-dropping realism as they discover the true meaning of friendship, courage and destiny.