How to Train Your Dragon is set to have a grandiose comeback in a live-action version, following the remake wave that has dominated studios recently—and it's high time DreamWorks would join the game.
We all know that good casting choices are crucial to breathing life into stories we all know and love, and, in this case, to maintain the How to Train Your Dragon franchise's charm while bringing new energy into the fold.
Mason Thames will be the new Hiccup, and Nico Parker will be in charge of bringing Astrid to life. Gerard Butler will be back as Stoick, the patriarch of Berk, with promises of reviving the feels and thrills of the animated films.
With a cast that includes Nick Frost as Gobber, Julian Dennison as Fishlegs, and Gabriel Howell as Snotlout, this live-action version looks promising. Of course, the adaptation work will be crucial to bringing the spirit of the animation version of How to Train Your Dragon to life, but the beauty of the trailer already makes us believe that.
If nothing else, the aesthetic vision of How to Train Your Dragon will be stunning—with dragons now looking even more realistic and imposing. Will the "live" dragons and folks of Berk own the big screens with the same impact as their animated counterparts? We'll have to wait and see.
Who is playing whom? The cast list for How to Train Your Dragon live-action
1) Mason Thames as Hiccup
Known for his performance in The Black Phone—where he had the opportunity to prove his ability to portray a character full of tension and emotion, he will be Hiccup, a young boy dealing with the weight that comes from being the future leader of Berk.
Thames brings a young and intense energy to the character, promising to capture both Hiccup's vulnerability and strength in his journey to become a leader in How to Train Your Dragon.
This role in How to Train Your Dragon is a great opportunity for Mason to expand his reach, hopefully conveying the character's inner strength and insecurities with the same intensity as seen in the animation, someone we can relate to—as someone who feels the weight of responsibilities while seeking his place in a larger world.
2) Nico Parker as Astrid
She has already proven her talent in other productions, especially in The Last of Us. Now she will be in charge of bringing the fearless Astrid to life. Focused, brave, and the owner of a strong personality, Astrid is a central character in Hiccup's journey.
She acts as his right hand and the voice of reason in many situations. Astrid is the woman who will guide the destiny of Berk alongside Hiccup—facing immense challenges and standing out as one of the strongest figures in How to Train Your Dragon.
Nico Parker has a unique ability to give depth to the characters she portrays, and her role in The Last of Us is proof of that. We can expect the same kind of strength and complexity that promises to add more layers to her interaction with Hiccup.
3) Gerard Butler as Stoick
The big surprise—and a relief for fans is that Gerard Butler will reprise his role in the original film, which promises to bring a layer of familiarity and depth to the adaptation.
Stoick has always been a strong pillar in Hiccup's life—the imposing leader of Berk and the protective father who doesn't always understand the choices his son makes. With Butler taking the helm here, we'll probably see a more physical and imposing side of Stoick and the emotional complexity that made him so loved.
Gerard Butler is known for portraying strong characters with a mix of authority and vulnerability. His return brings a sense of continuity to the story and allows the audience to reconnect with the father figure who—yeah, we know that—despite everything, always wanted the best for his son.
His presence will be crucial to give weight to the story, showing the relationship between Hiccup and his father even more intensely.
4) Nick Frost as Gobber
Nick Frost has a unique style that promises to bring the comedy we know and love from the animated film. The irreverent and beloved Gobber has always been a mentor figure for Hiccup, offering advice and cracking jokes, while never faltering in his deep loyalty to Berk and his friends.
Known for Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, Nick Frost brings an irreverent touch to the role, maintaining his essence while adapting it to live-action, something that is way more than fundamental to Gobber's role—who needs to be a mentor and friend.
5) Julian Dennison as Fishlegs
Fishlegs is Hiccup's loyal and somewhat clumsy friend. Julian Dennison, known from Deadpool 2 and Godzilla vs. Kong is about to bring him to life. Fishlegs has always brought an extra pinch of comedic charm to the franchise, and it's great to see the New Zealander of Maori descent in the role, adding diversity to the cast and bringing a new layer to the character.
Dennison has shown his talent for roles that mix comedy with emotional and dramatic moments before.
6) Gabriel Howell as Snotlout
Gabriel Howell, known for his work in Bodies, will embody the arrogant and challenging character who is often in conflict with Hiccup and the village's rules—Snotlout.
Despite being an antagonist on many occasions, he is such an energic character, and we expect him to bring a strong and captivating presence to his role as Snotlout, who, although difficult to deal with, plays a crucial role in the story of How to Train Your Dragon.
Known for intense roles, Gabriel Howell will likely bring the much-needed energy and tension to portray Snotlout—who also serves as a mirror to Hiccup's internal struggles to find his place in Berk.
7) Bronwyn James as Ruffnut and Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut
Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn, known for their work in productions like The Dig and The Bubble, are about to bring an eccentric energy, full of humor and some confusion, to the twins.
With them being known for their pranks and chaos, James and Trevaldwyn will be fundamental to maintaining the balance between comedy and adventure. They have big shoes to fill since Ruffnut and Tuffnut brought many moments of lightness and fun in the animations.
Now, in the live-action version, the hope is that they can translate this spirit uniquely and excitingly.
8) Ruth Codd as Phlegma
Ruth Codd became famous for her performance in The Fall of the House of Usher and will play a new addition to the folks at the village of Berk—Phlegma, a villain who will bring a touch of mystery and strength to the film.
Her interpretation of Phlegma will be crucial to give the story a new energy and depth, and fans are already eager to see how she will contribute to the plot's development.
What to expect from the production of ?
The hype is real and the stakes are high!
The production of How to Train Your Dragon live-action is under the direction of Dean DeBlois—also responsible for directing the original animation. Having him once more at the helm here is set to an authentic look to the adaptation, balancing nostalgia and new visual possibilities for franchise fans.
Justin Rupple, responsible for the voice of Tuffnut in the animation How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, will also be part of the team, along with Cressida Cowell, the author of the books the franchise was inspired from.
The author's presence behind the scenes brings another layer of authenticity, linking How to Train Your Dragon to the roots of the story.
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The trailer suggests impressive visuals—what matters in the end is how the story will connect with new generations, while still maintaining the affection and depth that have won our hearts until now.
How To Train Your Dragon will be released in theatres on June 13, 2025.
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