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HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 script analysis

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Hiccup enjoys a peaceful life training dragons on Berk until he discovers his long-lost mother and the threat of Drago Bludvist’s dragon army. Torn between loyalty to his father and the pull of a hidden dragon sanctuary, he must embrace his newfound family and leadership to unite the dragons and Vikings against Drago. The story follows Hiccup’s journey from carefree adventurer to responsible hero, culminating in a climactic battle and a new era of peace.

85 Save the Cat fit score 7% analysis confidence / 34 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

8%

Introduces Hiccup and Toothless flying happily over the sea, establishing their bond and the film’s adventurous tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / Page 2 / 5% target

9%

Astrid’s line about still searching for who she is hints at themes of identity and belonging.

I'm not like you. You know exactly who you are. You always have. But... I'm still looking. I...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-3 / Pages 3-4 / 10% target

8%

We meet the dragon racers on Berk and see Hiccup and Toothless train, establishing relationships, stakes, and the status quo.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 5 / 12% target

7%

The dragon trappers reveal Drago is coming with an army, upending Berk’s safety.

YOU WILL NEVER HOLD ON TO THOSE DRAGONS, YOU HEAR ME?! DRAGO IS COMING FOR THEM ALL!
5

Debate

Scenes 6-7 / Pages 6-8 / 20% target

6%

Hiccup insists Stoick prepare for Drago’s threat but faces resistance, questioning his role as leader.

Ah, he's probably flown off the edge of the world by now. You sure you want that kid...
6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / Page 9 / 25% target

6%

Hiccup and Astrid surrender to Eret’s ship to infiltrate Drago’s camp, committing to the adventure world.

Nope. It's your lucky day. We give up.
7

B Story

Scenes 11-15 / Pages 10-11 / 30% target

6%

Hiccup meets Valka and the dragon sanctuary, deepening the personal story about family and identity.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 12-19 / Pages 12-14 / 40% target

7%

Hiccup explores the dragon oasis; Astrid’s team captures Eret and tracks Drago – the ‘promise of the premise’ deliver adventurous dragon sequences.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 15-17 / Page 15 / 50% target

7%

Hiccup learns Valka is his mother and meets the Bewilderbeast, raising the emotional stakes.

In the home of the great Bewilderbeast. The alpha species. One of very few that still exist.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 21-23 / Pages 16-20 / 65% target

7%

Drago’s forces capture Astrid’s group and parade captured dragons to Drago, tightening the threat.

WE WILL TAKE DOWN THEIR ALPHA... AND THEN WE WILL TAKE BERK!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 28 / Page 21 / 75% target

7%

Stoick appears to die saving Hiccup, the lowest emotional point.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 29-30 / Pages 22-23 / 80% target

7%

At Stoick’s funeral and fleeing ice channels, Hiccup mourns his father and questions his purpose.

13

Break into Three

Scene 31 / Page 24 / 85% target

6%

With Drago’s army at Berk’s gates, Hiccup resolves to reconquer by reaching Toothless and uniting dragons.

14

Finale

Scenes 32-33 / Pages 25-33 / 95% target

7%

Hiccup battles Drago’s Bewilderbeast control, saves Toothless, and the Vikings and dragons fight Drago’s army, resolving major arcs.

15

Final Image

Scene 34 / Page 34 / 99% target

7%

The village rebuilds in peace and Hiccup narrates the dawn of a new era, mirroring the opening flight but now with unity.