But arguably the most fun catch we made is the inclusion of director DeBlois in the actual Isle of Berk. Actor Mason Thames (Hiccup) and Nico Parker (Astrid) confirmed the cameo to NBC Insider when we spoke to them for the film's junket.

When “ How to Train Your Dragon ” director Dean DeBlois received a call from Universal telling him they were considering a live-action reimaging of the animated feature, his first response was “I don’t want to see someone else’s version of this.”

Most filmmakers have a list of regrets about their projects, but getting a do-over is a rarity: "it was satisfying to check off a list of those little things, but also make room for missed opportunities.