An emotionally resonant clip released today from the digital premiere of How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World II offers fans a glimpse into the evolving father-son dynamic between stoic Viking Stoick the Vast—voiced live-action by Gerard Butler—and Hiccup’s rebellious teenage son, Zephyr. In a moment that underscores the franchise’s enduring themes of legacy and familial connection, Butler’s Stoick visibly softens, revealing reflections on parenthood, growth, and the breathtaking experience of soaring alongside dragons.
The clip, which debuted across major digital platforms, has ignited enthusiasm on social media. Fans are praising the raw emotion underscored by sweeping dragon-filled visuals, signaling a deeper exploration of character relationships than ever before.
This release follows the digital availability of the film, which dropped today, July 16, for purchase and rental on services including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. According to reports—including one from Decider—the movie has already raked in over $530 million at global box offices, making its digital debut a highly anticipated moment for fans eager to rewatch it from the comfort of home.
The full digital release is scheduled to drop on July 22, giving viewers a full week to explore the complete story and its character arcs. This early digital launch aligns with Universal’s contemporary release strategy: premium video-on-demand following theatrical windows, often transitioning to Peacock roughly three months later and then to Netflix about four months after that .
At the heart of this sequel is the relationship between Stoick and Zephyr. Franchise lore confirms Zephyr as the child of Hiccup and Astrid, introduced in the short film How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming. The clip highlights Stoick opening up to his grandson, revealing a softer, more vulnerable side than previously seen. Butler’s performance captures Stoick’s evolution—from gruff chief to introspective family man—demonstrating how themes introduced in the original trilogy mature further in this continuation.
This father-son bond has been central to the franchise since the beginning. In the original 2010 How to Train Your Dragon, Stoick transforms from dragon hunter to proud advocate of humane coexistence; he ultimately sacrifices himself in the second film, igniting themes of inheritance and emotional resilience . The new sequel appears positioned to explore what that inheritance means for Hiccup’s family line—especially the next generation.
The digital clip also teases sweeping new sequences featuring familiar dragons, alongside Zephyr’s first glimpses of flight. This mix of personal discovery and high-flying action feels true to the franchise’s emotional and thematic core.
The live-action release of the film—directed and written by Dean DeBlois, who helmed the original animated trilogy—launched theatrically on June 13 and garnered immediate acclaim. People magazine noted Butler’s powerful return as Stoick, with co-star Mason Thames commenting that Butler’s presence made the cast and crew “cower”—a nod to his commanding performance. This sequel clip suggests Butler retains that presence while revealing layers of vulnerability.
Beyond the digital release, audiences can expect the film to hit Peacock later in the fall and arrive on Netflix in early 2026, following Universal’s distribution pattern. Meanwhile, DeBlois has already confirmed plans for a sequel to the live-action remake, aiming for a June 2027 release. Though he was initially cautious about announcing it before gauging reception, the positive response at CinemaCon has fast-tracked its development.
Fans are already reacting enthusiastically to today’s clip drop. Online comments include praise for its emotional honesty and cinematic scale—with many expressing renewed excitement for the upcoming digital release on July 22.
This spotlight moment from the sequel refreshes one of the franchise’s most cherished narratives: the bond between generations of dragon riders, navigating loss, love, and the sky itself. As the film transitions from silver screen to living room, July 22 will mark the next chapter in a saga that has captivated audiences since 2010.