The Ultimate Guide To The How To Train Your Dragon Cast: Animated Legends Vs. The New Live-Action Stars (2025)

The world of Berk is soaring back onto the big screen with a completely fresh look, making the *How to Train Your Dragon* cast the hottest topic in Hollywood right now, as of December 2025. This isn't just a simple reboot; it's a monumental live-action reimagining of the beloved animated trilogy, promising to introduce a new generation of actors to the iconic roles of Hiccup, Astrid, and the rest of the Viking crew. The most exciting news? One legendary voice actor from the original films is returning to the live-action world. The upcoming 2025 live-action film, which shares the title *How to Train Your Dragon*, bridges the gap between the nostalgic animated world and a bold, new cinematic vision. With director Dean DeBlois, the creative genius behind the original animated trilogy, returning to write, direct, and produce the new movie, fans can expect the heart and soul of the original story to remain intact. This article provides the definitive breakdown of the new cast, the original voice actors, and the recent projects that make these stars the perfect picks for this highly anticipated Universal Pictures release.

The New Generation of Vikings: Live-Action Cast & Character Biographies

The casting process for the live-action remake was meticulous, aiming to find actors who could capture the emotional depth and adventurous spirit of the original characters. The final lineup features a mix of rising stars and established comedic talent, with one major returning veteran.

• Mason Thames as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III

Biography: Born July 10, 2007, Mason Thames is an American actor who quickly rose to prominence in the horror genre. He gained widespread recognition for his starring role as Finney Shaw in the 2022 horror hit *The Black Phone*. His casting as the perpetually awkward yet heroic Hiccup is a major career milestone, moving him from chilling thrillers to epic fantasy adventure. Thames's ability to portray vulnerability and inner strength makes him a compelling choice for the chief-in-training.

• Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson

Biography: Born in 2004, Nico Parker is a British actress known for her work in high-profile projects. She made her film debut in the live-action Disney film *Dumbo* (2019) and later gained critical acclaim for her powerful portrayal of Sarah Miller in the first season of the HBO series *The Last of Us* (2023). Parker’s nomination for a BAFTA Television Award in 2024 for her role in *The Last of Us* highlights her talent, making her an ideal choice to embody the fierce, intelligent, and skilled warrior Astrid.

• Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast

Biography: The Scottish actor, born November 13, 1969, is the only star to return from the animated trilogy, where he voiced Hiccup’s father, Stoick the Vast. Butler is famous for his roles in action and fantasy films, most notably as King Leonidas in *300*. His return as Stoick in the live-action capacity is a massive win for fans, providing a crucial link between the two cinematic universes. He brings a familiar, commanding presence to the beloved chief of Berk.

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• Julian Dennison as Fishlegs Ingerman

Biography: A New Zealand actor, born October 26, 2002, Julian Dennison is a familiar face in blockbuster cinema. He is best known for his breakout role as Ricky Baker in *Hunt for the Wilderpeople* and as the young mutant Russell "Firefist" Collins in *Deadpool 2* (2018). His recent work includes *Godzilla vs. Kong* (2021) and the 2024 film *Y2K*. Dennison's comedic timing and expressive acting are perfect for the gentle giant, Fishlegs, and his dragon, Meatlug.

• Bronwyn James as Ruffnut Thorston

Biography: English actress Bronwyn James, born July 24, 1994, is known for her work in period dramas like *Harlots* and more recently, the Netflix series *Lockwood & Co.*. She is also set to appear as Shenshen in the highly anticipated musical films *Wicked* (2024) and *Wicked: For Good* (2025). James will bring a mischievous energy to Ruffnut, one half of the chaotic twin duo.

• Gabriel Howell as Tuffnut Thorston

Biography: British actor Gabriel Howell, born February 19, 1999, gained recognition for his television roles, including a young Elias Mannix in the Netflix thriller miniseries *Bodies* (2023). Howell will play Tuffnut, the other half of the Thorston twins, whose reckless humor and inseparable bond with his sister Ruffnut are central to the story’s comic relief.

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• Nick Frost and Peter Serafinowicz

The cast also includes veteran British comedians Nick Frost and Peter Serafinowicz in supporting roles, whose specific characters have yet to be fully detailed but are expected to bring their signature wit to the Viking elders. Frost is famous for his collaborations with Simon Pegg in the *Cornetto Trilogy* (*Shaun of the Dead*, *Hot Fuzz*), while Serafinowicz is known for his voice work and roles in *Guardians of the Galaxy* and the show *Truth Seekers*.

The Original Voice Cast: Legends of the Animated Trilogy

Before Mason Thames and Nico Parker stepped into the live-action roles, the animated *How to Train Your Dragon* trilogy—*How to Train Your Dragon* (2010), *How to Train Your Dragon 2* (2014), and *How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World* (2019)—was brought to life by an all-star ensemble of voice actors. These actors established the emotional core of the franchise. The original animated cast members are legends in their own right, lending their voices to the characters across three feature films, several short films, and the spin-off series *DreamWorks Dragons: The Nine Realms*.

Key Voice Actors and Their Recent Endeavors

The original cast is a powerhouse of talent, and their careers continue to thrive with diverse projects:

• Jay Baruchel (Original Hiccup): The Canadian actor and comedian is known for his unique, earnest voice that perfectly captured Hiccup's nervous energy. Since the trilogy concluded, Baruchel has been busy with various film and TV roles, including the series *Man Seeking Woman* and directing his own feature films.
• America Ferrera (Original Astrid): Ferrera's strong, distinct voice gave Astrid her warrior spirit. Following the trilogy, she starred in the hit comedy series *Superstore* and gained significant critical acclaim for her powerful role in the 2023 blockbuster film *Barbie*, earning an Oscar nomination.
• Jonah Hill (Original Snotlout): The two-time Academy Award nominee brought a hilarious, arrogant energy to Snotlout. Hill has since focused on directing and starred in films like *Don't Look Up* and *You People*.
• Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Original Fishlegs): Famous for his role as McLovin in *Superbad*, Mintz-Plasse voiced the lovable, knowledge-obsessed Fishlegs. He continues to work in both live-action and voice acting, including the animated series *Trolls*.
• Cate Blanchett (Valka): The legendary, Oscar-winning actress joined the cast in the second film as Valka, Hiccup's long-lost mother. Blanchett remains one of the most prolific actors in the world, starring in recent acclaimed films such as *Tár* and *Nightmare Alley*.
• Craig Ferguson (Gobber the Belch): The Scottish comedian and former late-night host voiced the quirky, one-handed Viking Gobber. Ferguson continues his career in stand-up comedy and television hosting.

The Future of the Franchise: Live-Action Direction and Topical Authority

The decision to create a live-action remake, especially with the original animated trilogy being so critically and commercially successful, is a bold move by Universal Pictures. The key to the topical authority and freshness of this new film lies in the creative team and the new cast's ability to honor the source material while bringing a new level of realism.

The Dean DeBlois Factor

The most significant element ensuring the franchise's integrity is the return of writer/director Dean DeBlois. DeBlois has publicly stated his commitment to making the live-action film feel authentic and grounded, rather than a shot-for-shot recreation. His involvement, from the initial concept to the final production, assures fans that the emotional relationship between Hiccup and his Night Fury dragon, Toothless, will be treated with the respect it deserves. This continuity of vision is rare for a remake and is a core entity of the film's production.

Casting Choices and Topical Relevance

The casting of young stars like Mason Thames and Nico Parker brings immediate topical relevance. Thames’s success in *The Black Phone* demonstrates his capability in emotionally demanding roles, while Parker's BAFTA-nominated work in *The Last of Us* showcases her dramatic range. These actors are not just fresh faces; they are established talents in modern, high-quality genre entertainment. The inclusion of comedic veterans like Nick Frost and Peter Serafinowicz, along with the return of Gerard Butler, ensures the film retains the necessary balance of high adventure and Viking humor. The live-action *How to Train Your Dragon* is scheduled for release in 2025, and all signs point to a major cinematic event that will redefine the franchise for a new era.