Curious about Toothless and his incredible species in the franchise? With the release of the much-anticipated live-action How to Train Your Dragon trailer, fans are diving deeper into the origins of this iconic Night Fury. While the movies introduced us to Toothless as a loyal and powerful dragon, the books paint a very different picture of his character and species.
Here’s a breakdown of Toothless’ portrayal, the unique traits of Night Furies, and their key role in this beloved series.
What species of Dragon is Toothless in the How to Train Your Dragon live-action trailer?
In the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, which is set to be released on June 13, 2025, Toothless retains his identity as a Night Fury, the same species showcased in the original 2010 animated movie. The trailer reveals a design closely resembling the animated Toothless but with added realism, such as textured scales and intricate detailing, while maintaining his iconic wide-eyed, catlike charm.
Director Dean DeBlois ensures Toothless retains his mix of mystique and affection. As the “Unholy Offspring of Lightning and Death Itself” and Hiccup’s loyal companion, he embodies both power and playfulness. This balance highlights Toothless as the rarest and most enigmatic dragon in the franchise.
Is Toothless a Night Fury dragon in the books as well?
In the original How to Train Your Dragon book series by Cressida Cowell, Toothless is first thought to be a Common or Garden Dragon, a small and unimpressive species. By the eleventh book, however, he is revealed as a young Seadragonus Giganticus Maximus, one of the largest and most powerful dragons.
This difference between the books and films reflects their contrasting tones and styles. The movies favor a streamlined narrative with visually striking dragons like the Night Fury. In contrast, the books feature a whimsical, evolving storyline, with Toothless’ true nature unfolding gradually.
This distinction showcases how the franchise adapts its core themes across mediums. Whether a Night Fury in the films or a Seadragonus Giganticus Maximus in the books, Toothless symbolizes the enduring bond between dragons and humans, captivating audiences in both forms.