The Hilarious Chaos: Meet Bronwyn James And Harry Trevaldwyn, The Live-Action HTTYD Twins

The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of *How to Train Your Dragon* has finally premiered, and one of the most talked-about casting decisions involves the chaotic, scene-stealing twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut Thorston. As of today, December 14, 2025, the roles have been filled by two of Britain's most exciting young comedic talents: Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn. Their selection signals a clear intention by director Dean DeBlois to capture the anarchic, yet essential, comedic relief the twins provide to the world of Berk, ensuring that the new film, which premiered at CinemaCon on April 2, 2025, and was released by Universal, maintains the beloved spirit of the animated original.

The challenge of translating the exaggerated, animated personas of Ruffnut and Tuffnut into a grounded live-action setting is immense, yet the casting of James and Trevaldwyn—both with strong backgrounds in British comedy and dramatic roles—suggests a nuanced approach to the characters' signature blend of bickering, dull-witted bravery, and sheer Viking mayhem. Their performances are critical to the ensemble cast, which also includes Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nico Parker as Astrid, setting the tone for the entire *How to Train Your Dragon* live-action experience.

Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn: Full Biography and Filmography

The decision to cast Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn as the Thorston twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, brings a fresh, contemporary comedic edge to the Viking duo. Both actors, born in 1994, share a similar trajectory in the British acting scene, making them a fascinating pair to tackle the iconic sibling rivalry. Here is a detailed look at their careers before joining the *How to Train Your Dragon* universe.

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Bronwyn James (Ruffnut Thorston)

• Born: 1994, England
• Nationality: British/English
• Role in HTTYD: Ruffnut Thorston, the female half of the bickering twin duo, who is known for her aggressive nature and shared dragon, Barf and Belch, with her brother.
• Notable Film and Television Credits:
  • Wicked (2024 & 2025): Shenshen
  • The Dig (2021): Ellen McKenzie
  • Lockwood & Co. (2023): Sergeant Wade
  • Harlots (2017-2019): Fanny Lambert
  • The ABC Murders (2018): Megan Barnard
  • Apostasy (2017): Debut feature film role
  • Slow Horses (TV Series): Young Mum
• Career Focus: James has demonstrated versatility across period dramas (*Harlots*, *The Dig*), fantasy (*Wicked*), and contemporary thrillers (*Lockwood & Co.*), suggesting she can ground Ruffnut's wild energy with dramatic depth.

Harry Trevaldwyn (Tuffnut Thorston)

• Born: February 14, 1994, Oxford, England
• Nationality: English
• Role in HTTYD: Tuffnut Thorston, the male twin, characterized by his equally dim-witted yet enthusiastic participation in mayhem alongside his sister.
• Notable Film and Television Credits:
  • Ten Percent (2022): Ollie Rogers
  • The Bubble (2022): Colin
  • Smothered (TV Series): Jordan
  • The Outlaws (2021):
  • The King (2019):
  • My Lady Jane (Upcoming):
  • The Acolyte (Upcoming):
• Career Focus: Trevaldwyn is also a known actor, comedian, and writer, with a strong background in modern comedy and satire (like *The Bubble* and *Ten Percent*). His comedic timing is expected to be a major asset in portraying Tuffnut's dry, yet absurd, humor.

The Challenge of Live-Action Comedic Relief

Ruffnut and Tuffnut are fundamentally the franchise's chaotic heart and primary source of physical and verbal comedy. Their dynamic is defined by constant bickering, shared low intelligence, and an almost supernatural ability to cause trouble, often while riding their two-headed Zippleback dragon, Barf and Belch. The casting of James and Trevaldwyn, both with proven comedic chops, is a strategic move to ensure this essential element is preserved.

The animated twins, originally voiced by Kristen Wiig and T.J. Miller, relied on exaggerated animation to sell their over-the-top antics. The live-action version requires a more subtle, yet equally impactful, performance. Harry Trevaldwyn's background as a comedian and writer suggests he will bring a sharp, observational humor to Tuffnut, moving beyond simple slapstick. Bronwyn James's experience in ensemble comedies and dramas positions her to deliver Ruffnut’s aggressive, dominant twin energy with a grounding realism.

Initial fan discussions have centered on the visual differences between the animated characters and the live-action actors, a common debate in any live-action remake. However, the director, Dean DeBlois, has implicitly defended the ensemble's choices, emphasizing the importance of capturing the essence and chemistry of the characters rather than a literal visual match. The success of the Ruffnut and Tuffnut portrayal will hinge entirely on the palpable, bickering chemistry between James and Trevaldwyn, a difficult feat to achieve but one that is crucial for the film's overall tone.

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Topical Authority: The Thorston Twins in the Wider HTTYD Universe

The Thorston twins are more than just comic relief; they are vital members of the Dragon Riders, providing a contrast to the earnestness of Hiccup and the focused intensity of Astrid Hofferson (played by Nico Parker). Their inclusion in the live-action cast, alongside Julian Dennison as Fishlegs and Gabriel Howell as Snotlout Jorgenson, completes the core group of young Viking dragon trainers.

The live-action remake, directed by Dean DeBlois—who helmed all three original animated films—is DreamWorks Animation's first live-action feature film, marking a major milestone for the studio. The production's commitment to recreating the iconic elements of the original, including the complex dragon designs and the rugged atmosphere of the Isle of Berk, is a major undertaking. The twins’ ability to work with their dragon, Barf and Belch, a Zippleback with two distinct heads (one that breathes gas, the other that ignites it), will be a spectacle in the new film.

The casting choices, especially for the supporting roles like the twins, Fishlegs, and Snotlout, reflect a move towards a diverse and talented ensemble. The inclusion of Nick Frost as Gobber the Belch and Ruth Codd as Phlegma the Fierce further solidifies a cast rich with British and international talent, promising a unique flavor to the Viking world.

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For fans, the real excitement lies in seeing how Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn translate the twins’ signature moments: their constant arguments, their bizarre fashion sense, and their surprising moments of accidental heroism. Their comedic performances are not just a side note; they are integral to the lighthearted, adventurous spirit that made the original *How to Train Your Dragon* a global phenomenon. The successful launch of the live-action film in 2025 has already led to discussions about a sequel, suggesting the new twins' dynamic will be a long-term fixture in the franchise.

Key Entities and LSI Keywords in the Live-Action HTTYD Twins' Narrative

The story of the live-action twins is rich with entities that anchor the article in the topical authority of the *How to Train Your Dragon* franchise and the world of filmmaking. These entities are crucial for understanding the context of the casting and the film's production:

• Key Characters & Actors: Ruffnut Thorston, Tuffnut Thorston, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Mason Thames (Hiccup), Nico Parker (Astrid), Julian Dennison (Fishlegs), Gabriel Howell (Snotlout), Nick Frost (Gobber the Belch), Ruth Codd (Phlegma the Fierce).
• Creative & Production Entities: Dean DeBlois (Director), Universal Pictures (Distributor), DreamWorks Animation, Marc Platt (Producer), Adam Siegel (Producer).
• Franchise Concepts: Isle of Berk, Dragon Riders, Barf and Belch (Zippleback dragon), live-action remake, Viking culture, character chemistry, comedic relief.
• Actors' Previous Works: *Wicked*, *The Dig*, *Lockwood & Co.*, *Ten Percent*, *The Bubble*, *Harlots*, *The Outlaws*.

The casting of these two talented British actors has injected a fresh, vibrant energy into the live-action project. As the film begins its theatrical run, the performances of Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn as the beloved, chaotic twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, will undoubtedly be a major highlight and a key factor in the remake's success.