This summer, Universal Pictures is taking inspiration from Disney’s successful strategy of transforming beloved animated classics into live-action films with its upcoming release of How to Train Your Dragon. Early reports from CinemaCon 2025, where the film had a preview screening, suggest that director Dean DeBlois—who helmed the original animated movie—has successfully replicated the magic. This almost guarantees that in just a few weeks, the excitement for How to Train Your Dragon will surge, John Powell’s iconic score will climb back up the streaming charts, longtime fans will discover that Universal has already produced a sequel TV series set in contemporary times, and Target will be stocked with a variety of tie-in toys featuring fire-breathing dragons.
Although Disney’s Lilo & Stitch is poised to provide some competition in the feel-good, nostalgia-driven entertainment sector, the extensive merchandise planned for How to Train Your Dragon suggests it will be a significant summer hit. The collaboration with various brands has led to the introduction of a rather peculiar, yet intriguing product: the Spin Master Blast & Roar Toothless Mask. As much as I want to see every child sporting this mask, I admit I have reservations about witnessing it in real life.
The Blast & Roar Toothless Mask is designed to elevate imaginative play with several interactive features. Equipped with AAA-enabled lights and sounds to mimic Toothless’ signature actions, the mask also includes a “mist-blasting” function that simulates Toothless’ plasma-bolt attack when the wearer roars. The product description mentions it comes with “one bottle” for refills (though it’s unclear what exactly it contains), and families can replenish the internal reservoir for endless movie-themed dress-up fun.
While there’s plenty of fun to be had with the How to Train Your Dragon Blast & Roar Toothless Mask, I can’t help but feel a bit unsettled by its somewhat eerie portrayal of Toothless, reduced to merely spewing a plume of mist instead of unleashing a fiery blast. If a little Night Fury were to run up and spray me, I think I’d be pretty annoyed. It’s definitely not the same experience as witnessing Toothless soaring majestically through the sky in How to Train Your Dragon.
Would you be comfortable wearing this mask for an extended period? It’s available for $34.99, but maybe think twice about bringing it to the theater when How to Train Your Dragon premieres on June 13. We certainly don’t want a repeat of the Chicken Jockey incident.
