Universal’s highly anticipated live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon is soaring at the domestic box office, eyeing a record-breaking $82 million+ debut. If projections hold, the film will surpass all previous entries in the animated franchise, marking the strongest opening weekend yet for the series.
The movie has received a glowing “A” CinemaScore, a key indicator of strong audience satisfaction, especially important for family-oriented films. Positive word-of-mouth, combined with nostalgia from fans of the original 2010 animated classic, has helped propel ticket sales beyond initial expectations. The release was strategically timed for the Father’s Day weekend, drawing in families and multi-generational audiences across the country.
Industry analysts are watching closely as Saturday’s numbers pour in. If the film maintains its current momentum, it may even push past the $90 million mark. Comparatively, the original How to Train Your Dragon opened to $43.7 million, while the highest previous opening in the franchise belonged to How to Train Your Dragon 2, which launched with $49.4 million in 2014.
Premium format screenings (IMAX and Dolby) are also contributing to higher average ticket prices, pushing overall revenue even further. The film’s blend of emotional storytelling, sweeping visual effects, and action-packed sequences has appealed to both children and adults alike.
Meanwhile, A24’s Materialists, a romantic dramedy featuring a star-studded cast including Pedro Pascal, Dakota Johnson, and Chris Evans, is delivering a strong performance of its own. The film is expected to land between $11 million and $16 million over its opening weekend, making it the third-highest debut in A24’s history, behind Hereditary and Everything Everywhere All At Once.
Despite a modest “B–” CinemaScore, the film is benefitting from strong interest in urban markets and arthouse crowds. Early critical reception has been positive, with many praising the performances and sharp script, even as general audiences appear slightly divided.
The romantic satire, directed by Celine Song (Past Lives), explores the complexities of modern love and materialism in New York City. Its performance highlights A24’s continued success in balancing indie sensibilities with commercial potential.
Weekend Box Office Snapshot (Projections)
| Rank | Film | Opening Estimate | CinemaScore | Studio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | How to Train Your Dragon | $82M–$90M | A | Universal |
| 2 | Inside Out 2 (holdover) | $35M–$40M | A+ | Disney/Pixar |
| 3 | Materialists | $11M–$16M | B– | A24 |
Outlook
How to Train Your Dragon is proving that family-friendly franchises still have major drawing power when paired with strong storytelling and smart release timing. Its performance could give Universal a major summer hit and revive interest in live-action reimaginings.
For A24, Materialists continues the studio’s trend of releasing high-concept films with star appeal and festival pedigree. While not a blockbuster, its debut signals a healthy appetite for adult-targeted counterprogramming during the summer movie season.
Final box office figures will be confirmed by Sunday evening.
