The Thorston Twins: Everything To Know About The HTTYD Live-Action Ruffnut And Tuffnut Casting

The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of DreamWorks’ *How to Train Your Dragon* (HTTYD) has generated immense buzz, especially regarding the casting of the beloved, chaotic duo: the Thorston twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut. As of December 2025, the roles have been officially filled by two rising stars from the UK acting scene, Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn, who are tasked with bringing the mischievous, dragon-riding siblings to life on the big screen. Their selection signals a fresh, new direction for the iconic characters, moving away from the animated voices of Kristen Wiig and T.J. Miller, and promises to inject a unique blend of British comedy and youthful energy into the world of Berk.

This live-action remake, directed by the original animated trilogy’s mastermind, Dean DeBlois, is scheduled for a major theatrical release on June 13, 2025, making the casting announcements a crucial piece of the production puzzle. The choice of James and Trevaldwyn, both known for their compelling work across film and television, is a clear indication that the studio is prioritizing fresh talent with a strong comedic foundation to capture the signature bickering and slapstick humor of the Thorston twins.

Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn: Full Biography and Career Profiles

The casting of the Thorston twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, is a pivotal element of the *How to Train Your Dragon* live-action film, as their characters provide much of the comic relief. Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn are English actors whose careers have been steadily on the rise, with significant roles in notable British and American productions. Their combined experience in comedy, drama, and period pieces makes them an intriguing and well-rounded choice for the Viking siblings.

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Bronwyn James (Ruffnut Thorston)

• Full Name: Bronwyn James
• Date of Birth: July 24, 1994
• Birthplace: London, England, UK
• Nationality: British (English)
• Key Roles:
  • Film: *The Dig* (2021), *Wicked* (2024), *Wicked: For Good* (2025)
  • Television: *Harlots* (as Fanny, 2017–2019), *The ABC Murders* (2018), *Lockwood & Co.* (2023), *Ghosts* (as Sam, 2023)
• Role in HTTYD Live-Action: Ruffnut Thorston, the twin sister of Tuffnut.

Harry Trevaldwyn (Tuffnut Thorston)

• Full Name: Harry David Trevaldwyn
• Date of Birth: February 14, 1994
• Birthplace: Oxford, England, UK
• Nationality: British (English)
• Key Roles:
  • Film: *The King* (2019), *The Bubble* (2022), *My Oxford Year* (TBA)
  • Television: *Ten Percent* (English remake of *Call My Agent*), *Smothered* (as Jordan), *The Great*
• Role in HTTYD Live-Action: Tuffnut Thorston, the twin brother of Ruffnut.

The Challenge of Reimagining Ruffnut and Tuffnut for Live-Action

The animated Ruffnut and Tuffnut are defined by their distinctive, exaggerated Viking aesthetic and their constant, often nonsensical bickering. They are immature, fearless, and utterly inseparable, providing a crucial counterpoint to the more focused characters like Hiccup and Astrid. The biggest challenge for Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn will be translating this over-the-top, cartoonish energy into a grounded, live-action performance that still feels authentic to the world of Berk.

The original animated characters, voiced by Kristen Wiig (Ruffnut) and T.J. Miller (Tuffnut), relied heavily on voice-acting chemistry and comedic timing. The live-action version requires James and Trevaldwyn to establish a believable, yet hilariously antagonistic, sibling dynamic through physical comedy and on-screen presence. Their previous work, particularly Trevaldwyn’s background in comedy and James’s experience in ensemble casts, suggests they possess the necessary versatility to pull off this tricky balance.

Casting director John Papsidera and director Dean DeBlois have assembled a cast of mostly young, relatively fresh faces for the core group of Dragon Riders, which is a key strategy for the film. This approach allows the actors to grow into the roles over a potential trilogy, much like the original voice cast did. The twins’ roles are central to the early films, especially in their early, clumsy attempts at dragon training, and their chemistry is paramount to the movie's success.

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A Look at the Complete HTTYD Live-Action Cast and Production Details

The selection of Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn as the Thorston twins completes the main ensemble of the young Viking Dragon Riders, joining an already impressive cast of established and emerging talent. This collective of actors will be responsible for bringing the iconic characters and their emotional journeys to life, under the watchful eye of the franchise's original creator.

The New Generation of Berk’s Vikings

The full cast list for the *How to Train Your Dragon* live-action film is stacked with talent, ensuring the film maintains the high standards of the animated trilogy. The casting choices for the main characters are:

• Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III: Mason Thames (*The Black Phone*)
• Astrid Hofferson: Nico Parker (*The Last of Us*)
• Snotlout Jorgenson: Gabriel Howell (*The Bay*)
• Fishlegs Ingerman: Julian Dennison (*Deadpool 2*, *Godzilla vs. Kong*)
• Stoick the Vast: Gerard Butler (reprising his role from the animated films)
• Gobber the Belch: Nick Frost (*Shaun of the Dead*, *Hot Fuzz*)

Production and Release Timeline

The film is being directed and written by Dean DeBlois, who helmed all three original animated movies. His return to the franchise ensures creative continuity and a deep understanding of the source material. The production is a Universal Pictures and DreamWorks project, aiming for a grand, epic scale that honors the visual majesty of the original.

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• Director & Writer: Dean DeBlois
• Studio: Universal Pictures / DreamWorks
• Expected Release Date: June 13, 2025

Topical Authority and What the Casting Means for the Film's Tone

The casting of the twins, alongside the other young actors, strongly suggests that the live-action remake will focus on the coming-of-age narrative and the foundational story of the first film. The choice of relatively unknown, yet critically praised, actors like James and Trevaldwyn for the younger Vikings, while bringing back a veteran like Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast, creates an exciting dynamic between the established and the emerging.

The inclusion of British comedic actors for the twins, a trend seen across the casting of the other young Vikings (including New Zealander Julian Dennison), indicates a commitment to a global, yet distinctly European, sensibility. This is a nod to the franchise's Viking roots and the original book series by Cressida Cowell. The twins’ humor is often physical and rooted in their lack of common sense, and the selected actors’ diverse backgrounds in comedy and drama will be key to making their absurd antics feel organic within a live-action setting.

As the production moves forward, fans are eagerly anticipating the first official images or trailer showcasing Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn in full Viking costume. Their on-screen chemistry as Ruffnut and Tuffnut will be a defining factor in whether the live-action *How to Train Your Dragon* successfully recaptures the heart, humor, and chaos of the original animated masterpiece. The June 2025 release date is marked on every fan's calendar, promising a new era for the Dragon Riders of Berk.