Live-Action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Cast Unveiled with Mason Thames Leading as Hiccup

In a much-anticipated move from animation to live-action, Universal Pictures is bringing the beloved ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ franchise to a broader audience. The live-action adaptation stars Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nico Parker as Astrid, marking a new chapter for the celebrated DreamWorks trilogy.

Originally grossing over $1.6 billion worldwide, the animated series draws inspiration from Cressida Cowell’s novels. It tells the story of Hiccup, a young Viking who forges an unprecedented friendship with a dragon named Toothless, challenging his community’s long-standing beliefs.

Mason Thames, known for his role in «The Black Phone,» expressed excitement about embodying the role of Hiccup. «It was a lot of pressure for me because I love Hiccup so much,» Thames remarked in an August 2024 interview. «I’ve worked as hard as I can to bring Hiccup to life.»

Dean DeBlois, the director behind the Oscar-nominated animated trilogy, returns to helm the live-action film, which is slated for a June 13, 2025 release. Filming has taken place in various locations, with the rugged scenery of Northern Ireland providing a backdrop for the movie.

Joining Thames is Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson, Hiccup’s love interest and fellow Viking warrior. Parker, who gained recognition with her role in ‘The Last of Us‘ series, anticipates fans will be thrilled with the upcoming film’s high-flying dragon scenes. «Everything is being executed with incredible amounts of love and care,» she noted earlier this year.

The live-action cast also includes returning actor Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast, Hiccup’s father and the tribe’s chief. Butler, reprising his role from the original series, commented on the demanding physical nature of the shoot, citing the substantial weight of his character’s costume used during the cold Northern Ireland shoots.

Other notable cast members include Nick Frost as Gobber the Belch, a seasoned mentor to Hiccup, and Julian Dennison as Fishlegs Ingerman, Hiccup’s knowledgeable yet clumsy friend. Additional cast members feature Gabriel Howell as Snotlout Jorgenson, Bronwyn James as Ruffnut Thorston, and Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut Thorston.

Rounding out the ensemble is Ruth Codd, portraying Phlegma the Fierce, who brings a unique flair to the School of Dragons in Berk. Despite being a newcomer, Codd has already made a name for herself with notable roles in ‘The Midnight Club‘ and ‘The Fall of the House of Usher.’

The film aims to capture the enchanting bond between Hiccup and Toothless, a pivotal element that made the animated version a global favorite. The release of the first trailer has only heightened anticipation, showcasing the timeless moment of camaraderie between a boy and his dragon.