The New Vikings: Meet The Confirmed All-Star Cast Of The Live-Action 'How To Train Your Dragon' Movie (2025)

The wait is finally over: After years of speculation, the full confirmed cast for the live-action adaptation of DreamWorks’ beloved franchise, *How to Train Your Dragon*, has been officially announced, promising a fresh yet faithful take on the Viking epic. As of today, December 18, 2025, the ensemble is set, blending rising young stars with a powerhouse veteran, and excitement is building ahead of the film’s scheduled release on June 13, 2025.

This ambitious live-action remake, helmed by the original animated trilogy’s director, Dean DeBlois, is poised to reintroduce the world of Berk, its dragon-slaying traditions, and the unlikely friendship between a scrawny Viking boy and a magnificent dragon. The casting choices are crucial to capturing the heart and humor of the original, and the roster features a mix of familiar faces and breakout talent ready to take on the iconic roles of Hiccup, Astrid, Stoick, and the rest of the teenage dragon-fighting crew.

The New Generation of Berk: Full Cast Biographies and Roles

The core of the new *How to Train Your Dragon* film lies in the casting of its young leads, Hiccup and Astrid, who must carry the emotional weight and adventurous spirit of the story. The confirmed cast list also features the return of a fan-favorite original voice actor, ensuring a strong connection to the animated legacy.

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• Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III – Mason Thames

  Biography: Mason Thames is an American actor who gained widespread critical attention for his chilling lead role as Finney Blake in the 2021 horror hit, *The Black Phone*. Born on July 10, 2007, Thames is a rapidly rising star in Hollywood, having also secured roles in the television series *For All Mankind* and *Walker*. His casting as the awkward yet brilliant 16-year-old son of Stoick the Vast, Hiccup, marks his first major franchise leading role, requiring him to master the character's journey from outcast to hero.

• Astrid Hofferson – Nico Parker

  Biography: Nico Parker is a talented British actress, the daughter of actress Thandiwe Newton and filmmaker Ol Parker. She made her feature film debut in the 2019 live-action Disney fantasy *Dumbo*, playing the leading role of Milly Farrier. Parker has since garnered significant praise for her emotional performance as Sarah Miller in the acclaimed HBO series *The Last of Us*. Her casting as Astrid Hofferson, Hiccup's tough, competitive, and eventual love interest, brings a dynamic and experienced young actress to the forefront of the franchise.

• Stoick the Vast – Gerard Butler

  In a move that delighted fans globally, Scottish actor Gerard Butler, who voiced Stoick in the original animated trilogy, will return to reprise his role in the live-action film. Butler’s powerful presence and familiar voice ensure the character of the mighty chief of the Hairy Hooligan tribe retains its authenticity and gravitas.

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• Gobber the Belch – Nick Frost

  The role of Stoick’s right-hand man, the one-legged, one-armed blacksmith and mentor, Gobber the Belch, will be played by British actor and comedian Nick Frost. Known for his collaborations with Simon Pegg in the "Cornetto Trilogy" (*Shaun of the Dead*, *Hot Fuzz*, *The World's End*), Frost brings a perfect blend of comedic timing and warmth to the character.

The Dragon Riders: Casting the Next Generation of Vikings

The core group of teenage dragon riders—Hiccup’s peers and rivals—are essential to the story’s comedic and adventurous spirit. The casting of the supporting young Vikings is complete, featuring a talented group of international actors ready to bring the spirited teens to life.

The ensemble cast for the Dragon Riders includes:

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• Snotlout Jorgenson – Gabriel Howell: Howell will portray the arrogant, dim-witted cousin of Hiccup, Snotlout.
• Fishlegs Ingerman – Julian Dennison: Dennison, a New Zealand actor known for his roles in *Deadpool 2* and *Hunt for the Wilderpeople*, will play the large, timid, but intellectually brilliant Fishlegs.
• Ruffnut Thorston – Bronwyn James: James has been cast as Ruffnut, one half of the chaotic and inseparable Thorston twins.
• Tuffnut Thorston – Harry Trevaldwyn: Completing the comedic duo is Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut, Ruffnut's equally reckless and eccentric twin brother. Trevaldwyn is a notable English actor, known for his work in various comedy and television roles.

The director, Dean DeBlois, has expressed confidence in the chemistry of this young cast, noting that their energy is vital for recreating the dynamic of the original film's ensemble.

Behind the Scenes: Plot, Director, and Production Updates

The live-action *How to Train Your Dragon* is not just a simple re-imagining; it is a meticulously planned cinematic event designed to honor the original while leveraging modern filmmaking technology. The production details confirm that the film is a direct retelling of the first 2010 animated movie, which itself was loosely based on the book series by Cressida Cowell.

A Direct Retelling by the Original Visionary

The decision to bring back Dean DeBlois, the writer and director of the entire animated trilogy, is a major vote of confidence in maintaining the franchise's creative integrity. DeBlois’ involvement ensures that the core themes—the power of empathy, challenging tradition, and the bond between man and beast—will remain central to the live-action narrative. Some early reports suggest the film is a "shot for shot remake" in certain sequences, aiming to minimize fan outrage by sticking closely to the beloved original.

Filming Locations and Production Scale

The film began principal photography in 2024, with production taking place in various locations, including Northern Ireland. The scale of the production is massive, focusing on creating a visually stunning and believable world of Berk, complete with practical Viking sets and cutting-edge CGI for the dragons. The visual effects team faces the monumental task of rendering the dragons, especially Toothless, in a realistic, live-action environment while preserving their expressive and lovable personalities.

The Challenge of CGI: Bringing Toothless to Life

One of the biggest questions surrounding the live-action remake is how the Night Fury, Toothless, will be translated from a cartoon character to a photorealistic creature. The success of the film hinges on the audience believing in the palpable, emotional connection between Mason Thames’ Hiccup and his dragon. The production team is utilizing the latest in motion capture and CGI technology to ensure Toothless is as endearing and expressive as his animated counterpart, a task that requires a delicate balance between realism and fantasy.

What to Expect from the Live-Action Adaptation

The live-action *How to Train Your Dragon* is positioned as one of the most anticipated family adventure films of 2025. With a confirmed release date of June 13, 2025, the movie aims to draw both nostalgic fans of the original and a new generation of viewers.

The casting, from the experienced Gerard Butler to the rising stars Mason Thames and Nico Parker, suggests a film that is taking its source material seriously while injecting new energy into the roles. The movie’s success will be measured by its ability to replicate the original’s heart and excitement, translating the unique Viking-dragon relationship into a tangible, live-action spectacle. Fans are eager to see the first official trailer and promotional images, which will provide the first real look at the new Hiccup, Astrid, and, most importantly, the live-action Toothless, cementing the film’s place as a major cinematic event.