Latest news with #Toothless
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
LEGO Toothless from ‘How to Train Your Dragon' is finally here — I've never pre-ordered something so fast
I could spend an entire day explaining why 'How to Train Your Dragon' is my favorite animated movie franchise: a coming-of-age story celebrating emotional growth; soaring scores that complements the Viking-inspired villages; and the progression of dragons from fearsome beasts to loyal allies. But if I only were allowed one word to capture my love of 'How to Train Your Dragon?' That's easy: Toothless, a.k.a. the most expressive, endearing dragon to ever fly across the silver screen. And thanks to LEGO, I can now enjoy building my very own 784-piece Night Fury at home. Available starting July 1, this 784-piece LEGO Icons set brings Toothless the Night Fury to life. Complete with true-to-movie details and even a little snack, this is a must-have for fans of the franchise. This latest installment to LEGO's Ideas (the collection of fan-designed and -submitted sets) has been revealed just in time for the live-action 'How to Train Your Dragon,' which hits theaters on June 13 as one of this summer's biggest movies. Although the Toothless (10375) set doesn't launch officially until July 1, you can pre-order it now for $69.99 at Between the big eyes, printed scales and a mischievous expression, this version of Toothless is totally precious. Hiccup's pal stands at 16 cm (6.5 inches) tall, which makes him small enough to display easily, but movable joints elevate the final product. He even comes with a fish (for snacking, obviously) and a little blue plasma-blast that fits in his mouth like he's ready to defend Berk at any moment. LEGO also nailed the details with his signature red tail fin that Hiccup repaired after their first crash landing. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Speaking of Hiccup, I was a little disappointed that LEGO won't include a Hiccup minifigure, especially considering this version of Toothless is outfitted with a saddle. I found this custom one on Ebay, but I also wouldn't be surprised if a future 'How to Train Your Dragon' set provides more of the film's characters in minifigure form. Either way, Toothless in LEGO form feels like a long-overdue tribute to one of animation's greatest companions. And if you're anything like me (someone who tears up at the end of 'The Hidden World' every time, no matter how many times I've seen it) this is a set you'll want on your shelf.
Gizmodo
a day ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
Lego's First ‘How to Train Your Dragon' Set Is an Adorable Little Toothless
With the live-action How to Train Your Dragon on the way, Lego is finally heading to Berk for a new officially-licensed set. The thing that makes sense? It is, of course, your very own buildable Toothless. The thing that doesn't? It's a chibi-fied, almost animated spin on the dragon, despite being inspired by the realistic-rendering of Toothless in the new remake. This morning Lego announced its first ever How to Train Your Dragon set in the form of the Lego Icons Toothless. Clocking in at 784 pieces, the diminutive dragon is rendered in a chibi-fied style, a mostly static (save for the ability to tilt and rotate his oversized head, open his jaw, and flap his wings) rendering of Toothless in suitably cutesy form. He also comes with accessories you can add, like a fish to feed him and a small effects piece to replicate him breathing a little poof of plasma. Nothing too dangerous. Lego Icons How to Train Your Dragon Toothless But the cutesy aesthetic (especially for a set that, as part of the Icons line, is aimed more at adult collectors) is an intriguing choice for a set that is specifically inspired by the upcoming live-action remake of the film. It is meant to represent Toothless in his adult form, judging by the fact that he has his prosthetic tail fin, and of course the box includes imagery of the more-realistically-rendered version of the CG dragon from the new film, rather than his prior animated form. It's an stylized take on a realistic take of a stylized take! All that, however, doesn't stop him from being down right adorable though. The Lego Icons Toothless is available to pre-order now for $70, and will release on July 1.
CNET
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNET
I Never Saw Animatronics Like This: Epic Universe Team Reveals Challenges of Theme Park Tech
I can't take my eyes off Dr. Victoria Frankenstein. I've seen plenty of theme park animatronics before, but as this robot moves fluidly in front of me, there's something otherworldly about how she was designed: her digitally animated face is projected on a physically animating head, and it looks like a video game character has come to life. But just as I try to figure out what makes her tick, I'm distracted by the reveal of another jaw-dropping animatronic: her 800-pound, 9-foot-tall green monster walking toward the audience. Now Playing: How Universal's Robots Push Boundaries of Animatronics 08:55 It's only fitting that some of the most advanced animatronics created reside in Dark Universe, a spooky world where mad scientists push the limits of technology. This is one of five immersive lands inside Universal's Epic Universe, a new theme park in Orlando, Florida -- and the first major theme park to open in the US in 20 years. At the grand opening this month, I spoke with some of the creative minds who brought the tech to life, which you can watch in the video embedded above. For several years, I've been reporting on how technology is enhancing theme park experiences, but I've never quite seen something at the scale that Universal has pulled off. Not only did the team patent new technology for characters like Dr. Frankenstein, but it was impressive to see the sheer number of robotics scattered all over these themed worlds. At Isle of Berk, a land themed to the viking world from the How to Train Your Dragon movies, there are 30 animated figures just lounging about -- some sleeping dragons, some blasting icy air, others just swinging near stores -- all exposed to Florida's harsh summer temperatures. The dragons of Berk take on multiple robotic forms. Some are untethered, as cute baby dragons perform stunts and walk around guests. These young dragons move in a way that's reminiscent of other quadruped dog-style bots. If you visit Toothless, dragon trainers make sure you know the rules to not touch the eyes or teeth. CNET The star of the land is a life-size, interactive and emotive Toothless that you can touch (and even feel him breathing). Another animatronic version of Toothless flies over your head in a stage show. But Berk is full of dragons, and there are plans to include drones (er, flying dragons) to soar above the land throughout the day. Some guests have spotted one being tested in the park already. But when you have more moving parts, it means more can go wrong. With robots woven into almost every aspect of entertainment here, Universal certainly faces more risk in keeping the experience smooth for guests with high expectations. Universal's creative teams told me during my visit that it was a risk the company wanted to take to try something new. I hope they can keep the effects running as intended. As someone who follows emerging tech, it's delightful to see it used to bring fantastical worlds to life. Sometimes, tech really does feel like magic.
Wall Street Journal
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
Universal's $7 Billion Theme Park Sparks Arms Race With Disney
ORLANDO, Fla.—It was an experience straight out of a fairy tale: the chance to meet a dragon. One by one, visitors walked up to an inky black creature named Toothless. When a visitor stroked the top of his head, Toothless closed his eyes and sighed a calm, blissful sound that prompted smiles, laughs and even tears from the crowd. There was no puppeteer pulling strings, no human inside a costume. It was just like being in 'How to Train Your Dragon,' and that is the point at Epic Universe, a new theme park that opens Thursday.
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
The No. 1 must do at Universal Epic Universe's How to Train Your Dragon
The No. 1 must do at Universal Epic Universe's How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk Show Caption Hide Caption Toothless at Epic Universe stars in viral, sweet moments Universal's Epic Universe is set to open in less than two months, which includes Toothless from 'How to Train Your Dragon." The Isle of Berk at Universal's Epic Universe brings the "How to Train Your Dragon" world to life. Must-do activities include Viking Training Camp, interactive elements, and Hiccup's Wing Gliders. Don't miss the "Untrainable Dragon" show and character interactions, especially with Toothless. ORLANDO, Fla. – For "How to Train Your Dragon" fans, there's no contest on the most anticipated world at Universal's new Epic Universe theme park: It's How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. One of five worlds at the new park, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk brings to life the Viking world of its namesake DreamWorks film (and television) franchise with painstaking detail. Fans of the series could easily spend an entire day there, taking it all in, but here are three must-dos for your Epic Universe visit. 5. Take kids to Viking Training Camp Viking Training Camp is a shaded, multilevel play structure that lets kids stretch their legs and grown-ups relax. There are multiple interactive play experiences and slides even for toddlers, as well as a restroom and water fountain within the training camp for easy access. There is a wheelchair accessible ramp to the second level and stairs to the third level. Make sure to go up for sweeping views of Berk and peeks at other areas of the park. If you look through the viewfinders at the top of Berk's spire, you may spot a teeny tiny Gothi, the village elder from the films. 4. Play with the interactive elements throughout the land Some of the beautiful decor throughout the land is actually interactive, like the tall wooden Toothless-topped structure across from the Haddock Paddock. When you spin the wheel, it plays music from the film like a larger-than-life music box. A similar structure near Mead Hall, topped with a giant horn, plays a variety of noises, including some you may not expect. Part of the wonder of Berk if discovering details for yourself, but team members are also happy to guide you. 3. Ride Hiccup's Wing Gliders There are three rides in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, which are all fun in their own way, but Hiccup's Wing Glider's should not be missed. (Neither should the Easter eggs in the ride's queue, like the Dragon Eye from the franchise's "Dragons: Race to the Edge" TV series, up on the shelf when you enter the main building where you board the coaster.) The family coaster is very smooth and requires a minimum 40-inch height. It has the perfect balance of thrills, so it's not too scary for young children but still thrilling for adults. And when music from the film's soundtrack swells on board, your heart will swell, too. What is going to be in Epic Universe? Answers to the most popular questions about Universal's new theme park 2. Interact with characters By far, Toothless is the most popular character to meet How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, but the wait can get really long because the interactions are unhurried. Fans of the franchise may want to head to this first thing in the morning, because the experience is priceless. Don't miss the other characters because they are spot on. Hiccup sounds just like Hiccup does in the films. So do the twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut, who roam throughout the world and are just as rough around the edges as on screen. 1. Watch 'The Untrainable Dragon' Live entertainment sometimes gets overshadowed by rides at theme parks, but "The Untrainable Dragon" is arguably one of the best attractions at Epic Universe. The premise is an unwieldy new dragon arrives in Berk and doesn't appear to immediately respond to Hiccup's famous dragon whisperer-like touch, prompting him to question his abilities. There's acting, singing, choreography, puppetry and more, but the most mesmerizing moment is when Hiccup and Toothless soar into the theater above guests' heads, in the clouds. It's the kind of wow moment that wraps your attention and makes you forget it's just a show. It may even give you chills. Tip: Aim for an early showing. That way if it's canceled or delayed for any reason, you still have a chance to catch it later. Bonus: Get the Mac & Cheese Cones A massive bread cone of piping hot macaroni and cheese may not sound appetizing on a scorching day, but these already viral snacks are popular for a reason. They are delicious and easily shareable, which is good because they range from $15.99 to $17.99 each. All three flavors are delicious because the mac and cheese itself is tasty, and the bread cones taste like the perfect combo of garlic bread and everything bagel seasoning. The Classic Mac & Cheese is topped with fish-shaped cheese crackers. The more adventurous flavor combos are PB&J – BBQ harissa pulled pork with peanut bacon jam – and Dragon Fire Chicken Spire, which is topped with Nashville-style hot chicken, hot honey, Calabrian peppers, chimichurri sauce and crispy onions. They're available at the walk-up Hooligan's Grog & Gruel stand or by mobile order at Spit Fyre Grill.
