The Complete How To Train Your Dragon Cast: Animated Legends Vs. The All-New Live-Action Stars

The world of Berk is getting a complete makeover, and fans are buzzing with curiosity about the new faces bringing the beloved Viking story to life. As of December 2025, the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of *How to Train Your Dragon* is on the horizon, promising a fresh take on the tale of Hiccup and Toothless. This article dives deep into the complete cast lineup, providing a definitive comparison between the legendary voice actors who defined the animated trilogy and the exciting new stars stepping into the dragon-riding boots for the 2025 film.

The original *How to Train Your Dragon* animated movies, produced by DreamWorks Animation and based on the books by Cressida Cowell, captured the hearts of millions, making the casting of the live-action reboot arguably the most scrutinized decision of the year. While some familiar names are returning—most notably Gerard Butler—the new ensemble cast features a blend of established talent and rising young stars ready to honor the franchise's legacy while forging their own path on the Isle of Berk.

The New Faces of Berk: Live-Action Cast Profiles (2025)

The live-action adaptation, directed by Dean DeBlois (who also directed the original animated trilogy), is set to introduce a whole new generation to the world of Vikings and dragons. The casting choices have focused on finding actors who can embody the spirit and growth of the characters from the first film. Here is a look at the main actors confirmed to be stepping into the roles for the 2025 movie.

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Mason Thames as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III

• Role: Hiccup, the awkward but ingenious teenage son of Stoick the Vast.
• Biography Snapshot: Mason Thames is an American actor who rose to prominence with his lead role in the 2021 horror film *The Black Phone*. He also appeared as Danny Stevens in the Apple TV+ sci-fi series *For All Mankind*. His casting as Hiccup marks his biggest studio film role to date, requiring him to capture the character's transition from a clumsy outsider to a heroic Dragon Rider.
• Recent Projects: *The Black Phone 2* (reprising his role).

Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson

• Role: Astrid, the fierce, competitive, and highly skilled Viking warrior and Hiccup's eventual love interest.
• Biography Snapshot: Nico Parker is a talented British actress, the daughter of actress Thandiwe Newton and filmmaker Ol Parker. She gained critical acclaim for her role as Sarah Miller in the 2023 HBO series *The Last of Us*, for which she received a BAFTA Television Award nomination in 2024. Her previous work includes the film *Reminiscence* (2021). Her selection as Astrid brings a BAFTA-nominated young talent to the forefront of the franchise.
• Recent Projects: *The Last of Us* (Season 1).

Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast

• Role: Stoick the Vast, the powerful chief of the Hairy Hooligan tribe and Hiccup's father.
• Biography Snapshot: Butler is the only actor from the animated series to reprise his role in the live-action film. A globally recognized Scottish actor, he is famous for his roles in films like *300*, *Olympus Has Fallen*, and *P.S. I Love You*. His return as Stoick provides a crucial link between the beloved animated trilogy and the new adaptation, offering a sense of continuity for long-time fans.
• Recent Projects: *Plane*, *Kandahar*.

Nick Frost as Gobber the Belch

• Role: Gobber the Belch, the village blacksmith, Stoick’s best friend, and a mentor to Hiccup.
• Biography Snapshot: Nick Frost is an English actor, comedian, and screenwriter, best known for his collaborations with Simon Pegg and director Edgar Wright in the "Cornetto Trilogy," which includes *Shaun of the Dead* and *Hot Fuzz*. His comedic timing and experience in physical comedy make him a perfect fit for the one-legged, one-handed Viking.
• Recent Projects: *Truth Seekers*, *The Nevers*.

The Dragon Riders Ensemble

The supporting cast for the live-action movie features a fresh group of young actors taking on the roles of Hiccup’s fellow Dragon Riders:

• Julian Dennison as Fishlegs Ingerman: Dennison is known for his scene-stealing roles in *Deadpool 2* and *Hunt for the Wilderpeople*.
• Gabriel Howell as Snotlout Jorgenson: Howell is a rising talent taking on the role of Hiccup's arrogant cousin.
• Bronwyn James as Ruffnut Thorston: James will play one half of the rambunctious twin duo.
• Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut Thorston: Trevaldwyn completes the pair of competitive, often clueless twins.

The Legendary Voices: Original Animated Cast and Their Legacy

The success of the original *How to Train Your Dragon* animated trilogy (2010), *How to Train Your Dragon 2* (2014), and *How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World* (2019) is inseparable from its phenomenal voice cast. These actors brought nuance and depth to the Vikings of Berk over nearly a decade.

Jay Baruchel (Original Hiccup)

Jay Baruchel voiced Hiccup throughout the entire animated run, including the spin-off TV series *DreamWorks Dragons*. His uniquely nervous and earnest vocal delivery defined the character's early awkwardness and later heroic maturity. Baruchel, a Canadian actor and filmmaker, has since expanded his career behind the camera, writing and directing.

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America Ferrera (Original Astrid)

America Ferrera provided the powerful voice for Astrid, evolving her from a skeptical rival to a loyal partner and Chief of Berk. Ferrera has had a major career resurgence and critical success in recent years. She starred in the blockbuster film *Barbie* (2023), which earned her an Oscar nomination, and she continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood, focusing on acting and activism.

Craig Ferguson (Original Gobber the Belch)

The original voice of Gobber was provided by Scottish-American comedian and television host Craig Ferguson. Known for his distinctive Scottish brogue and quick wit, Ferguson’s voice gave Gobber his signature gruff-but-lovable personality. Ferguson has continued his career in stand-up comedy and television hosting since the animated trilogy concluded.

The Voices of the Dragon Riders

The original voice cast for the supporting Dragon Riders was also filled with recognizable talent:

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• Jonah Hill voiced the original Fishlegs Ingerman, the gentle giant with encyclopedic dragon knowledge.
• Christopher Mintz-Plasse, famous for *Superbad*, was the voice of Snotlout Jorgenson.
• The chaotic twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, were voiced by Kristen Wiig and T.J. Miller, respectively.

From Voice Booth to Live-Action Set: A Legacy Reimagined

The decision to create a live-action adaptation of *How to Train Your Dragon* speaks volumes about the enduring popularity and powerful storytelling of the franchise. The original animated trilogy is often cited as one of DreamWorks Animation's greatest achievements, with its themes of friendship, acceptance, and environmental stewardship resonating deeply with audiences.

The Dean DeBlois Factor

A key element of the live-action project's credibility is the involvement of Dean DeBlois, the writer and director of all three animated films. His return ensures that the new movie will maintain a deep respect for the source material and the emotional core that made the original films so successful. DeBlois has been tasked with translating the dynamic world of Berk and the intricate relationship between Hiccup and Toothless from the limitless medium of animation to the grounded reality of live-action filmmaking.

Casting the New Generation

The selection of Mason Thames and Nico Parker for the lead roles signifies a deliberate choice to cast younger actors who can grow with the potential new trilogy. Thames, with his background in dramatic and horror roles like *The Black Phone*, brings a necessary intensity, while Parker’s acclaimed performance in *The Last of Us* proves her ability to handle complex, emotionally charged material. This casting aims to capture the youthful spirit of the Vikings as they first encounter and bond with the dragons. The fact that Gerard Butler is the only returning actor highlights the creative team's intention to create a faithful yet distinct cinematic experience.

Topical Entities and Franchise Lore

The *How to Train Your Dragon* universe is rich with lore, and the live-action film is expected to explore all the key entities that define the world. Fans anticipate seeing the village of Berk, the majestic dragons, and the various Viking characters come to life. Key elements that contribute to the topical authority of the franchise include the original books by Cressida Cowell, the various dragon species (like the Night Fury and Light Fury), the concept of Dragon Riders, and the central conflict between the Vikings and dragons before the era of peace.

The 2025 live-action *How to Train Your Dragon* film is more than just a remake; it is a continuation of a cinematic legacy. By blending the familiar voice of Gerard Butler with the fresh talent of Mason Thames and Nico Parker, the production is set to deliver an experience that honors the animated past while charting an exciting new future for the beloved fantasy saga.