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.

The film officially opened in 4,356 theaters across North America on Friday, marking a fresh chapter for the franchise under the direction of Dean DeBlois.

While Dean Fleischer Camp's Lilo & Stitch has dominated the weekend box office since it premiered just ahead of Memorial Day, one live-action remake has defeated another, as How To Train Your Dragon is the new number one movie in the United States and Canada. Check out the early reported results below and join me after for analysis.

How to Train Your Dragon” took flight at the box office this weekend, proving that some remakes still have teeth.

Director Dean DeBlois recreates "The Forbidden Friendship" and "Test Drive" sequences with a new and improved Toothless.

On the set of the live-action movie, Toothless and the other dragons existed as large puppets with simple functions, operated by a team of master puppeteers led by Tom Wilton, a performer who had worked on the “War Horse” stage play.

Writer-director Dean DeBlois breaks down how he nailed the film's epic flying scene, from Toothless's design to making Hiccup star Mason Thames look like he was really riding a dragon. Thames' mom suggested playing the film's score while he shot the scene,