MOVIE NEWS – The legendary Brad Pitt made an emotional confession during a 2012 interview with W Magazine, and it caught everyone off guard. In the short clip, he was asked which movies have moved him to tears. The Oscar-winning actor initially tried to maintain a composed front, insisting that he rarely cries during films—maybe one or two might get him misty-eyed, but full-on sobbing? Not a chance. However, he did admit that one film truly got to him, and it wasn’t what most people expected. Pitt revealed that the animated film How to Train Your Dragon brought him to tears at the end when Vikings and dragons finally learned to coexist in peace.

Released in 2010 and directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, How to Train Your Dragon tells a heartfelt coming-of-age story about a young Viking named Hiccup, who stumbles upon an injured dragon and forms an unexpected bond with the creature. Through this friendship, he teaches his village that humans and dragons don’t have to be enemies. Based on Cressida Cowell’s book series, the film became a major franchise, spawning a full trilogy, a spin-off TV series titled Dragons: The Nine Realms, and an upcoming live-action adaptation set for release in June 2025. At its core, the story is about friendship, growing up, challenging societal norms, and embracing change for a better future.

The story follows Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (voiced by Jay Baruchel), the son of Berk’s chief, Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler). Unlike his father, Hiccup is a misfit who struggles to fit in, seen as weak and incapable of carrying on the Viking legacy. His village lives under constant threat from dragon attacks, yet Stoick refuses to let Hiccup train as a warrior. Determined to prove himself, Hiccup turns to his intellect, crafting mechanical gadgets that he hopes will help him bring down a dragon and earn his father’s respect.

One night, during a dragon raid, Hiccup manages to shoot down a rare and powerful Night Fury dragon. When he finds the wounded creature in the forest, he realizes he can’t bring himself to kill it. Instead, he observes its behavior and soon gains its trust, naming it Toothless due to its retractable teeth. As their friendship deepens, Hiccup invents a mechanical prosthetic to help Toothless fly again. However, keeping their bond a secret becomes increasingly difficult, especially as the village’s deep-seated fear of dragons intensifies.

The Emotional Ending That Left Brad Pitt in Tears

As the story unfolds, Hiccup and Toothless’ friendship is tested by the expectations of the Viking way of life. Stoick mistakenly believes his son has killed a dragon and declares him ready for dragon-fighting training. Hiccup unexpectedly excels, becoming the top student, but his final test requires him to slay a dragon in front of the village. When the moment arrives, he refuses to go through with it—causing his secret to be exposed. Toothless rushes to protect him but is captured. Hiccup turns to his father for help, only to be met with bitter disappointment. Determined to save his friend, he sets off on a daring rescue mission with his fellow trainees.

The film reaches its climax in a dramatic battle against the massive Dragon Queen. Hiccup fights bravely but loses his leg in the process. When he awakens in Berk, Toothless is there beside him. The village, once terrified of dragons, now sees them as allies, and Hiccup steps into his role as a leader who has changed their world forever. The story’s message is clear: understanding and acceptance can conquer even the deepest fears. This touching conclusion is what moved Brad Pitt to tears.

The How to Train Your Dragon Franchise Returns

Fans of the beloved animated trilogy will soon have another chance to experience the magic. The live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon is set to hit theaters in June 2025, starring Mason Thames, Nico Parker, and Gerard Butler, with original director Dean DeBlois returning to helm the project.

The first teaser trailer dropped at the end of 2024, giving audiences a glimpse of the cast, the stunning visual setting, and their first look at the live-action version of Toothless—who looks absolutely breathtaking. If the adaptation proves successful at the box office, it could pave the way for sequels, keeping the beloved saga alive. In the meantime, the original How to Train Your Dragon trilogy is available for streaming on Netflix and Max.

Source: MovieWeb