How to Train Your Dragon filmmakers praise Northern Ireland's 'amazing landscapes'
The makers of the upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon have praised Northern Ireland's "amazing landscapes" where the film was shot.
Director, writer and producer Dean deBlois, who was behind the acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, has reimagined the film that launched the franchise as a live-action feature.
The fantasy film, which stars Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison and Gerard Butler, filmed in filmed in multiple locations in Northern Ireland including Dunseverick Castle, Murlough Bay and Tollymore Forest.
A synopsis for the film reads: "On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames) stands apart.
"The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler), 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."
In a new featurette for the film, director deBlois spoke about why Northern Ireland was the perfect location to recreate this world.
"Working in Northern Ireland means that we are essentially stepping in to the world of Berk," he said.
"You get the crashing sea, you get the rugged coastlines, the green rolling hills, the very changeable weather – all of those aspects that you think are associated to the island of Berk are here in plenty."
Stunt Coordinator Roy Taylor agreed, saying: "Working in some of the locations we were working in – the Giant's Causeway... Tollymore Forest – those places are so beautiful, and I really think it's going to add a whole new extra element to the picture."
Actor Nico Parker, who plays Astrid in the film, added: "We filmed in such a beautiful location, I think it's as true to Berk as it would be in real life.
"As an actor it's the dream, it's so much easier to become your character and step in to this world."
How to Train Your Dragon is in cinemas on Monday, 9 June.
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