The Hilarious Chaos Twins: Everything To Know About Ruffnut And Tuffnut’s Live-Action Casting

The live-action adaptation of the beloved animated film, How to Train Your Dragon, is one of the most anticipated movie events of 2025. As of today, December 16, 2025, one of the most exciting and crucial casting announcements involves the sibling duo known for their chaotic energy and questionable intelligence: the Thorston twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut. The roles have been secured by two rising stars from the UK acting scene, promising to bring a fresh, yet faithful, interpretation to the fan-favorite characters.

The film, directed by the original trilogy's filmmaker, Dean DeBlois, is scheduled to hit theaters on June 13, 2025, and the choice of actors for the twins—Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn—suggests a strong emphasis on comedic timing and character chemistry. This article dives into the actors' backgrounds, their previous work, and what fans can expect from the live-action Ruffnut and Tuffnut.

The New Thorston Twins: Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn Biography

The success of the Thorston twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, hinges on the chemistry between the actors. Universal Pictures has cast English actress Bronwyn James and English actor-comedian Harry Trevaldwyn to take on the roles, replacing the original voice actors, Kristen Wiig and T.J. Miller. Their casting signals a move toward performers known for their strong comedic and character work across British television and film.

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Bronwyn James (Ruffnut Thorston)

• Born: July 24, 1994
• Nationality: English
• Notable Roles: James is recognized for her breakout role as Fanny Lambert in the period drama series Harlots (2017–2019). She has also appeared as DC Muriel Yeardsley in the crime series Wild Bill and had a role in the comedy series Cheaters. Fans will also see her in the upcoming musical film adaptations of Wicked (2024) and Wicked: For Good (2025) as the character Shenshen.
• Character Expectation: Ruffnut is the female half of the fraternal twin duo, known for her mischievous streak and her often-violent sibling rivalry with Tuffnut. James’s background in both period drama and comedy suggests she can handle the physical comedy and the underlying dramatic elements of Berk’s toughest female Viking teen.

Harry Trevaldwyn (Tuffnut Thorston)

• Born: February 14, 1994
• Nationality: English
• Notable Roles: Trevaldwyn is a versatile English actor, comedian, and writer. He is perhaps best known for his roles in the comedy series Ten Percent and the Judd Apatow film The Bubble. His other credits include the comedy series Smothered, where he played the role of Jordan, and a part in the BBC series The Outlaws. His comedic background is a perfect fit for Tuffnut’s often absurd and deadpan humor.
• Character Expectation: Tuffnut is the male twin, characterized by his extreme vanity, recklessness, and his inseparable bond with his sister, which usually manifests as constant bickering and fighting. Trevaldwyn's experience in improvisational comedy and high-energy roles is expected to capture the essence of the character's chaotic personality.

The Thorston Twins: Ruffnut and Tuffnut’s Enduring Appeal

Ruffnut and Tuffnut Thorston are not just comic relief; they are essential pillars of the original How to Train Your Dragon narrative. Their enduring popularity stems from their unfiltered, often idiotic, yet ultimately loyal nature. They embody the wild, untamed spirit of the Viking teenagers on the Isle of Berk.

In the original animated movie, the twins are part of the core group of young dragon-riders, alongside Hiccup, Astrid, Snotlout, and Fishlegs. They share a two-headed Zippleback dragon named Barf and Belch, a creature that perfectly mirrors their own dual, often contradictory, personalities.

The twins’ primary function is to provide an anarchic counterpoint to the more focused characters like Hiccup and Astrid. Their antics—which range from setting things on fire to engaging in pointless, yet hilarious, arguments—are a source of consistent, high-energy humor. The casting of two established comedic actors suggests the live-action film will lean heavily into this element.

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Behind the Scenes: The Live-Action HTTYD Production Details

The live-action remake is a high-stakes project for Universal Pictures and DreamWorks, aiming to recapture the magic of the original 2010 film. The decision to bring back Dean DeBlois, who wrote and directed all three animated films in the original trilogy, is a massive vote of confidence in preserving the franchise’s heart and soul.

DeBlois’s involvement is a key factor that differentiates this remake from others, as he has a deep, personal connection to the characters and the world of Berk. Fans are optimistic that this continuity will ensure the live-action version honors the spirit of the original while offering a visually stunning, fresh cinematic experience.

The twins join a star-studded young cast that includes Mason Thames (known from The Black Phone) as Hiccup and Nico Parker (from The Last of Us) as Astrid. Rounding out the teens are Julian Dennison (from Deadpool 2) as the lovable Fishlegs and Gabriel Howell (from The Beast Must Die) as the boastful Snotlout.

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Filming for the movie has reportedly wrapped, meaning the production is now moving into the post-production phase, which will focus heavily on the complex visual effects required to bring the dragons, like Toothless, Barf and Belch, and Hookfang, to life.

What to Expect from the Live-Action Ruffnut and Tuffnut

The live-action adaptation is expected to follow the core storyline of the first animated film: the journey of a young, misfit Viking named Hiccup who discovers he doesn't want to kill dragons, but befriends them instead. Ruffnut and Tuffnut, as part of the Dragon Training Academy, will be central to the early, more chaotic scenes.

One of the most anticipated aspects is how the film will portray the twins’ signature look and their dragon, Barf and Belch. Ruffnut’s vibrant red hair and Tuffnut’s distinct helmet are iconic visual elements that the costume and makeup departments will have to nail. Furthermore, the two-headed Zippleback is a major technical challenge for the visual effects team, requiring seamless integration with James and Trevaldwyn’s performances.

Given the comedic chops of both Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn, fans can anticipate that the live-action Ruffnut and Tuffnut will deliver memorable, laugh-out-loud moments. Their dynamic is key to the film’s lighter tone, and their casting suggests they are ready to embrace the absurdity and sibling rivalry that made the animated twins so endearing. The June 2025 release date can't come soon enough for fans eager to see the new generation of Berk's dragon riders take flight.