The Hilarious Chaos: Meet The Actors Bringing Ruffnut And Tuffnut To Life In The Live-Action How To Train Your Dragon

The live-action adaptation of DreamWorks’ beloved *How to Train Your Dragon* franchise is one of the most anticipated movie events of 2025, and as of December 2025, fans are buzzing with excitement over the casting of the chaotic and hilarious Thorston twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut. The roles of the mischievous, dragon-riding siblings are set to be played by two rising stars in the British acting scene: Bronwyn James as Ruffnut and Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut. This casting signals a fresh, yet faithful, approach to bringing the quirky residents of Berk to the big screen, with the film scheduled for release on June 13, 2025. The live-action film, directed by the original animated trilogy's helmer, Dean DeBlois, aims to capture the heart, humor, and breathtaking scale of the original story. The Thorston twins, known for their constant bickering, questionable intelligence, and shared two-headed dragon, Barf and Belch, are crucial to the comedic relief and the youthful energy of the Dragon Academy. The choice of Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn—both actors with strong comedic and dramatic backgrounds—suggests the film is committed to delivering the twins' unique, competitive dynamic with authenticity and fresh energy.

Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn: A Deep Dive into the New Thorston Twins

The casting of the Thorston twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, was a pivotal moment for the live-action project, requiring two actors who could convincingly portray both the physical comedy and the strangely endearing bond of the fraternal siblings. Universal Pictures and director Dean DeBlois ultimately selected two distinct and talented British actors to take on the roles.

Bronwyn James: Ruffnut Thorston

• Full Name: Bronwyn James
• Date of Birth: July 24, 1994
• Nationality: British (English)
• Notable Roles: James is well-known for her role as Fanny in the period drama series *Harlots* (2017–2019). She has also appeared in the film *The Dig* (2021) and the fantasy series *Lockwood & Co.* (2023).
• Upcoming Projects: Before *How to Train Your Dragon*, James is set to star as Shenshen in the highly anticipated musical film adaptations of *Wicked* (2024) and *Wicked: For Good* (2025), showcasing her range in major studio productions.
• The Ruffnut Challenge: Ruffnut, originally voiced by Kristen Wiig, is the more aggressive and arguably more cunning of the two twins. James's previous work in period dramas and high-profile musicals suggests she possesses the dramatic weight and comedic timing necessary to embody the fierce and often volatile nature of the Viking teen.

Harry Trevaldwyn: Tuffnut Thorston

• Full Name: Harry David Trevaldwyn
• Date of Birth: February 14, 1994
• Nationality: British (English)
• Notable Roles: Trevaldwyn is an actor, comedian, and writer who has built a strong following through his work in comedy. His credits include the satirical film *The Bubble* (2022), the British comedy series *Ten Percent* (2022), and *The Outlaws* (2021).
• Comedic Background: His background in stand-up and sketch comedy is particularly relevant, as Tuffnut, originally voiced by T.J. Miller, is the primary source of the twins' absurd and self-destructive humor.
• The Tuffnut Dynamic: Trevaldwyn has spoken about the on-screen chemistry with his co-star, noting that the twins "exist entirely in competition with each other" and praising James as "remarkable," highlighting the importance of their contentious relationship to the film's humor.

The Director's Vision: Why the Thorston Twins are Crucial to Berk

The decision to bring back Dean DeBlois, the writer and director of the original animated trilogy, is perhaps the strongest indicator of the live-action film’s commitment to the source material. DeBlois’s involvement suggests the film will not be a complete reimagining but rather a faithful, yet visually grounded, adaptation.

A Faithful Adaptation of the Twin Dynamic

In the animated films, Ruffnut and Tuffnut are defined by their symbiotic yet competitive relationship. They share everything, from their armor to their dragon, Barf and Belch, whose two heads perfectly mirror the twins' dual nature. The live-action film will need to translate this chaotic, slapstick-heavy dynamic into a believable, real-world setting.

The casting of James and Trevaldwyn, both with backgrounds in high-stakes comedy and drama, provides a foundation for this transition. Their chemistry will be essential to making the twins' bizarre antics—such as their obsession with explosions, their constant arguments over minor details, and their general disregard for safety—feel genuine rather than cartoonish. Their portrayal will be key to maintaining the lighthearted tone amidst the more dramatic coming-of-age story of Hiccup and Toothless.

The Importance of Comedy in a Live-Action Viking World

The world of Berk is a rugged, harsh, and often dangerous place. The humor provided by the supporting cast, especially the Thorston twins, is vital for balancing the peril of dragon-riding and the emotional depth of the story. Ruffnut and Tuffnut serve as a hilarious counterpoint to the earnestness of Hiccup (Mason Thames) and the determination of Astrid (Nico Parker).

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Their characters also represent the more traditional, stubborn, and sometimes misguided Viking spirit of Berk before the dragon revolution. Their initial participation in dragon training is less about understanding the creatures and more about causing mayhem, a narrative thread that the live-action film must preserve. The actors’ ability to land the physical and verbal comedy while maintaining the characters' underlying loyalty will be a measure of the film's success.

The Wider Berk Cast and Topical Authority Entities

The casting of the Thorston twins is part of a larger, highly-anticipated ensemble that mixes established stars with promising newcomers, further cementing the film's topical authority. The film is set to bring a new dimension to the beloved franchise, and the full cast list is a testament to the scale of the production.

The following key entities and cast members are confirmed to be joining Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn on the Isle of Berk:

• Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III: Played by Mason Thames (*The Black Phone*).
• Astrid Hofferson: Played by Nico Parker (*The Last of Us*).
• Stoick the Vast: The chief of Berk and Hiccup's father, played by the returning voice of the animated character, Gerard Butler.
• Gobber the Belch: Stoick’s best friend and the village blacksmith, played by Nick Frost (*Shaun of the Dead*).
• Snotlout Jorgenson: Hiccup’s cousin and rival, played by Gabriel Howell (*Bodies*).
• Fishlegs Ingerman: The gentle giant, played by Julian Dennison (*Deadpool 2*).
• Director/Writer: Dean DeBlois (Returning from the original trilogy).
• Composer: John Powell (Returning from the original trilogy).
• Release Date: June 13, 2025.

The inclusion of original voice actor Gerard Butler and composer John Powell alongside Dean DeBlois’s return signals a deep respect for the animated legacy, while the casting of young, vibrant talent like James and Trevaldwyn ensures a fresh take for a new generation. The live-action *How to Train Your Dragon* is poised to be an epic cinematic event, with the Thorston twins' chaotic energy at its heart.