How to Train Your Dragon
There are two different Toothless designs on the shelves – and they look nothing alike.
Techbox, Thessaloniki
Two Toothless designs – and it is easy to get it wrong
Since June 2025, when the live-action film arrived, there have been two versions of the same dragon on the shelves.
A child who saw the new film will ask for the realistic one. A child who grew up with the animated films wants the other. They are visibly different.
The one question before buying: "did they see the new film or the animated ones?"
The audience is older than it looks
This is the most useful fact about the category, and it surprises people.
At the live-action film's opening, nearly half the audience was between thirteen and twenty-four.
It is not a coincidence: the people who were children in 2010, when the first film came out, are young adults today – and they came back for the new one.
In practice: this is not only a children's category. It sells to teenagers and young adults too – adult sizes in apparel, collector figures, posters, not just toys.
The live-action film took over six hundred and twenty million dollars and became the highest-grossing in the whole franchise – ahead of all three animated films.
Who is who
The black dragon. Moves like a cat and fires a blue plasma blast. The absolute lead in merchandise.
The young Viking – slight build, brown hair.
The blonde warrior with the axe.
The enormous red-bearded chief – Hiccup's father.
If you do not know what to pick: Toothless. He is recognisable on his own, with no other character alongside, and is by far the most requested.
The films – and the sequel in 2027
The animated trilogy: 2010, 2014 and 2019 – over one and a half billion dollars together.
The live-action film: June 2025. It was directed by the same person who made all three animated ones – which is why it is so faithful.
The sequel arrives in June 2027
A live-action version of the second film, with the same director. It is set five years later, with Hiccup at twenty.
For collecting, that means the category will stay alive – and that new, older versions of the characters will appear.
What to choose
- Toothless plush: the strongest line – in several sizes.
- Dragon figures: check which version – animated or live-action.
- Funko POP: Toothless, Hiccup and the rest.
- Apparel: including adult sizes – the audience is older than it looks.
- School gear: pencil cases, backpacks, bottles.
- Posters & gifts: art prints, mugs, keyrings.
Same audience – family fantasy: Shrek, from the same studio, and Frozen.
Frequently asked questions
- Why does Toothless look different on every figure?
- Because there are two versions. In the animated films he is stylised, with big expressive eyes. In the 2025 live-action film he is photorealistic, with textured skin and a darker look. Ask which one the child saw.
- Is it only for young children?
- No. At the live-action film's opening, nearly half the audience was 13 to 24 – the people who were children in 2010 and came back. You will find adult sizes in the apparel.
- Which character sells the most?
- Toothless – the black dragon – by a very wide margin. He is recognisable on his own, with no other character alongside.
- Is a sequel coming?
- Yes, in June 2027 – a live-action version of the second film, with the same director. It is set five years later, with Hiccup at twenty.
- What age is it for?
- A family series, suitable for all ages. There are dragon battle scenes that may be intense for very young children, but nothing frightening.
