The world of Berk is getting a dramatic new look! As of
The new live-action film, directed by Dean DeBlois (who also helmed the original animated trilogy), is scheduled to hit theaters on June 13, 2025. This article dives deep into the actors bringing the iconic characters to life, from the new faces stepping into the roles of the Dragon Riders to the legendary voice actors who defined the franchise for over a decade, providing a complete profile of the cast, both past and present, that holds the keys to the future of the HTTYD universe.
Meet the New Vikings: The Official How to Train Your Dragon Live-Action Cast (2025)
The casting for the live-action remake has been meticulous, focusing on actors who can embody the spirit and growth of the characters from the original DreamWorks films. The core group of Dragon Riders is led by two rising stars, with one major actor from the animated films returning to a familiar role, ensuring a powerful bridge between the two iterations.
- Mason Thames as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III: Thames is known for his role as Finney Shaw in the horror film The Black Phone. His casting as the awkward, inventive, and ultimately heroic son of Stoick the Vast, Hiccup, was one of the first and most crucial announcements.
- Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson: Parker is a British actress who gained recognition for her roles in films like Dumbo and the HBO series The Last of Us. She takes on the role of Astrid, the fierce, competitive, and highly skilled Viking warrior who becomes Hiccup's chief ally and love interest.
- Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast: In a rare and exciting move, Gerard Butler, who voiced Stoick in the animated trilogy, is reprising his role in the live-action film. Butler, famous for his roles in 300 and Olympus Has Fallen, will physically portray the imposing chief of the Hairy Hooligan tribe and Hiccup's father.
- Gabriel Howell as Snotlout Jorgenson: Howell steps into the role of Snotlout, the boastful, arrogant, and often clumsy cousin of Hiccup.
- Julian Dennison as Fishlegs Ingerman: Dennison, known for his performances in Deadpool 2 and Godzilla vs. Kong, will play Fishlegs, the large, gentle, and highly knowledgeable Viking obsessed with dragon facts and lore.
- Bronwyn James as Ruffnut Thorston: James takes on one half of the infamous twin duo, Ruffnut, known for her aggressive and often chaotic personality.
- Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut Thorston: Trevaldwyn completes the twins as Tuffnut, Ruffnut's equally dim-witted and disaster-prone brother.
The decision to bring back Gerard Butler provides a comforting sense of continuity, while the younger cast members have the task of bringing a new, grounded realism to the fantastical world of Berk. The film is set to be a major cinematic event, following the critical and commercial success of the original animated trilogy, which concluded with How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.
The Legacy of Voices: Where is the Original How to Train Your Dragon Voice Cast Now?
Before the live-action adaptation, the hearts and souls of the Dragon Riders were brought to life by an iconic ensemble of voice actors. Their performances across the three main films, numerous shorts, and the Dragons: Race to the Edge series established the franchise's emotional depth and humor. Here is a look at the principal actors who defined the original characters.
The Core Voice Actors and Their Ongoing Careers
The original cast is a powerhouse of Hollywood talent, many of whom have gone on to achieve even greater fame and critical acclaim since the franchise began in 2010.
- Jay Baruchel (Hiccup): The Canadian actor and comedian provided the perfectly nervous and earnest voice of Hiccup across all three films. Since HTTYD, Baruchel has continued to work extensively in both film and television, including roles in Man Seeking Woman and the film Goon: Last of the Enforcers. He is also a successful writer and director.
- America Ferrera (Astrid): Ferrera's portrayal of Astrid was a masterclass in balancing strength with vulnerability. She has since starred in and produced the hit NBC series Superstore and, more recently, received an Academy Award nomination for her powerful performance in the 2023 blockbuster Barbie, making her one of the most high-profile actors from the original cast.
- Gerard Butler (Stoick the Vast): As mentioned, Butler is the only actor returning for the live-action version, a testament to his iconic voice and physical presence as the Viking chief. His career remains highly active in action and thriller films.
- Craig Ferguson (Gobber the Belch): The Scottish comedian and former late-night talk show host lent his distinct voice to Gobber, the blacksmith and Stoick's right-hand man. Ferguson continues to tour as a stand-up comedian and has hosted various television shows.
- Jonah Hill (Snotlout Jorgenson): Hill, known for his comedic and dramatic roles, voiced the cocky Snotlout. He has since become a two-time Academy Award nominee for his work in Moneyball and The Wolf of Wall Street, also transitioning into directing with the film Mid90s.
- Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Fishlegs Ingerman): Famous for his breakout role as McLovin in Superbad, Mintz-Plasse voiced the lovable, knowledge-hungry Fishlegs. He continues to work steadily in voice acting and live-action projects, including the Kick-Ass films.
- Kristen Wiig (Ruffnut Thorston): The Emmy-winning actress and Saturday Night Live alum voiced the female twin, Ruffnut. Wiig has had a stellar career, starring in films like Bridesmaids and Wonder Woman 1984, and the Apple TV+ series Palm Royale.
- T.J. Miller (Tuffnut Thorston): Miller voiced Tuffnut, the male twin. He is known for his stand-up comedy and roles in Deadpool and the HBO series Silicon Valley.
- Cate Blanchett (Valka): Joining the cast in How to Train Your Dragon 2, the two-time Oscar winner voiced Hiccup's long-lost mother, Valka, and continues to be one of the most respected and prolific actresses in the industry.
- Kit Harington (Eret): The Game of Thrones star joined in the second film as Eret, a dragon trapper. Harington continues to lead major film and television projects.
The collective talent of the original cast is a testament to the high quality and enduring appeal of the animated series, setting a high bar for the new live-action performers.
Live-Action vs. Animated: What The New Cast Means for the Franchise's Future
The decision to create a live-action adaptation, rather than a direct sequel like a theoretical How to Train Your Dragon 4, signals a major pivot for the franchise. The focus is on reintroducing the core story to a new generation while satisfying the nostalgia of long-time fans. This move, spearheaded by Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation, solidifies How to Train Your Dragon as a major pillar of their cinematic universe.
The casting of young, talented actors like Mason Thames and Nico Parker is a deliberate choice to capture the coming-of-age element that made the original film so resonant. Thames’s previous experience in intense, character-driven roles suggests he can handle the emotional weight of Hiccup’s journey, while Parker’s strong performance history promises a fierce and compelling Astrid. The returning presence of Gerard Butler as Stoick is the ultimate vote of confidence in the original film's emotional core, ensuring that the father-son dynamic remains authentic and powerful.
Furthermore, the director, Dean DeBlois, has confirmed that the live-action film will be a faithful, yet visually and thematically updated, retelling of the 2010 original. This commitment to the source material, combined with the carefully selected ensemble cast, suggests a future where the How to Train Your Dragon franchise will thrive in both its animated legacy and its new live-action form. The story of Berk, the dragons, and the bond between a boy and his Night Fury is poised to soar once again.
The live-action film is one of the most anticipated releases of 2025, and the cast—from the new young Dragon Riders to the returning Stoick—will be under intense scrutiny. Fans are eager to see how the chemistry between Mason Thames’s Hiccup and Nico Parker’s Astrid translates the iconic animated dynamic into a live-action spectacle. The success of this film will undoubtedly pave the way for live-action adaptations of How to Train Your Dragon 2 and The Hidden World, ensuring the saga of Berk continues for years to come.
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