Classic Heroes
There are many coming-of-age films and books.
They capture audiences by showing a young hero finding themselves, depicting the time when children are transitioning into young adulthood.
These stories are often wrapped by the film’s end, with the character overcoming the single struggle focused on in the movie.
The coming-of-age storyline can seem to have a forced resolution at times.
Films for younger audiences are expected to teach a lesson and result in a clear resolution.
This model works well for the first film targeted at preteens, but trilogies have to grow along with their audience if they want to be successful.
The heroes need to learn different lessons in each movie as they mature. The How to Train Your Dragon trilogy uses the coming-of-age story framework to tell three different arcs to follow the evolution of Hiccup’s and Toothless’ intertwined stories.
The Creators Vision
“Original adapters Craig Sanders and Dean DeBlois crafted Hiccup’s coming of age story into what can only be viewed as three distinctive arcs under the umbrella of the age and passage between childhood and adulthood.
The first arc of finding yourself, the second growing up, and the final lesson letting go.” (Manning Franks)
In the first film, Hiccup desperately wants to fit in.
Gober: “Look, the point is, stop trying so hard to be something you’re not.
Hiccup:“I just wanna be one of you guys.”
Hiccup’s father, Stoic, knows his son has always been different. When Hiccup can’t kill Toothless, it becomes a turning point for him to begin finding himself and where he fits in on the conservative Viking island.
Becoming an amputee and helping Toothless fly with a prosthetic tail fin are signs of Hiccup’s compassion and courage.
His unwavering desire for peace is innocent in the first film; that innocence and kindness bring people together.
Because the directors wanted to make the movie more realistic, Hiccup was injured in the final battle, which is an unexpected outcome for the innocent protagonist.
Making How to Train Your Dragon 2 required Hiccup to lose his innocence after losing his father.
By the third film, Hiccup has become chief of Berk; as he takes on leadership, he must leave Toothless behind along with the last part of his childhood.
Source
Manning Franks. (2019, April 5). Maturing With Your Audience – How To Train Your Dragon [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2FwGd7muks