Universal/DreamWorks’ remake of “How to Train Your Dragon” is off and flying at the box office, earning $8.6 million from Thursday preview screenings. Combined with $2.5 million from early access screenings, the film has an $11.1 million start heading into the weekend.
With original animated film director Dean DeBlois returning, “How to Train Your Dragon” already has a remake of the series’ 2014 sequel greenlit for 2027. This weekend, it is projected to earn a domestic opening of $75 million, which would be enough to surpass any of the animated “HTTYD” films.
Early reception for the remake has been strong, with Rotten Tomatoes scores standing at 77% critics and 99% audience. With an overseas opening of $110 million, the film looks to surpass the unadjusted $614 million franchise record set by “How to Train Your Dragon 2.”
Also opening this weekend is A24’s “The Materialists,” Celine Song’s follow-up to her Oscar-nominated film “Past Lives.” The love triangle romantic drama starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans earned $1.5 million from 2,844 venues on Thursday and is projected for an $8 million opening. It has an 87% Rotten Tomatoes score.
