Universal Pictures’ live-action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon” debuted at No. 1 in North America with an estimated US$83.7 million in weekend ticket sales, according to industry trackers. The film adapts the 2010 animated hit into a live-action format, drawing on the same Viking-era coming-of-age storyline that helped launch a multi-picture franchise. The strong domestic launch ended a three-week reign for Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch,” which slipped from the top spot after grossing more than US$850 million worldwide since its release. “How to Train Your Dragon” also outperformed the earlier animated version’s North American opening in 2010. Including overseas receipts, “How to Train Your Dragon” has generated about US$198 million globally, underscoring continued audience appetite for high-profile live-action reboots. Analysts say the robust start positions the film for a profitable run as the summer movie season enters its peak.