The New Vikings Of Berk: Meet The Full Cast Of The 'How To Train Your Dragon' Live-Action Movie

The highly anticipated live-action reimagining of *How to Train Your Dragon* is set to soar onto the big screen in 2025, bringing the beloved world of Vikings and dragons to a new generation with a fresh, yet familiar, cast. As of late 2024, Universal Pictures has confirmed the roster of actors who will bring the iconic residents of the Isle of Berk to life, from the reluctant hero Hiccup to the formidable Chief Stoick the Vast.

This new adaptation, helmed by original animated trilogy director Dean DeBlois, promises to honor the spirit of the 2010 classic while offering a unique, grounded interpretation of the fantastical story. The casting choices blend rising young talent with seasoned cinematic veterans, ensuring a dynamic ensemble ready to face the Night Fury and the challenges of dragon training.

Confirmed Cast: Full Viking Roster and Biographies

The core cast for the *How to Train Your Dragon* live-action film is a carefully curated mix of stars known for their dramatic prowess and comedic timing. Here is a complete list of the confirmed actors and their character profiles, including their most notable previous roles:

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• Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III: Mason Thames
• Astrid Hofferson: Nico Parker
• Stoick the Vast: Gerard Butler
• Gobber the Belch: Nick Frost
• Snotlout Jorgenson: Gabriel Howell
• Fishlegs Ingerman: Julian Dennison
• Ruffnut Thorston: Bronwyn James
• Tuffnut Thorston: Harry Trevaldwyn

The New Generation of Dragon Riders: Hiccup and Astrid

The emotional core of the franchise rests on the shoulders of Hiccup and Astrid, and the live-action film has cast two of Hollywood's most promising young stars in the roles. Their chemistry will be crucial in translating the animated film's charm.

Mason Thames as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III

Mason Thames takes on the role of the inventive, scrawny Viking who doesn't quite fit in, Hiccup. Thames is an American actor whose star rose rapidly after his breakout performance in the horror film *The Black Phone* (2021). Born on July 10, 2007, Thames was also a former professional ballet dancer, showcasing a versatility that will undoubtedly translate into Hiccup's unique blend of physical awkwardness and surprising agility.

Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson

Nico Parker, the British actress and daughter of Thandiwe Newton, is cast as the fierce and competitive Astrid Hofferson. Born on December 9, 2004, Parker made her film debut in the live-action *Dumbo* (2019) and gained significant acclaim for her heartbreaking performance as Sarah Miller in the HBO series *The Last of Us* (2023). Her casting has generated some discussion among fans, with Parker herself addressing the discourse and emphasizing that the new film is "its own interpretation."

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The Veteran Vikings: Stoick and Gobber

The adult roles provide a vital link to the animated world, grounding the new film in familiar, powerful performances.

Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast

In a move that delighted long-time fans, Scottish actor Gerard Butler will be reprising his role as Stoick the Vast, the powerful, stern, yet loving chief of Berk and Hiccup's father. Butler voiced the character in all three animated *How to Train Your Dragon* films, making his return a powerful endorsement of the live-action project's vision.

Nick Frost as Gobber the Belch

Comedic veteran Nick Frost, best known for his collaborations with Simon Pegg in the "Cornetto Trilogy" (*Shaun of the Dead*, *Hot Fuzz*), steps into the role of Gobber the Belch, the village blacksmith and Stoick's best friend. Frost's casting is an inspired choice, promising to deliver the character's signature blend of gruffness and heart.

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The Dragon Academy Crew: Snotlout, Fishlegs, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut

The supporting cast of young Vikings who make up the Dragon Academy—Hiccup's peers and rivals—are filled by talented British and New Zealand actors, ensuring a diverse and energetic ensemble.

Julian Dennison as Fishlegs Ingerman

New Zealand actor Julian Dennison is cast as the gentle, large, and knowledge-obsessed Fishlegs. Born on October 26, 2002, Dennison is already a familiar face in major blockbusters, known for his standout performances as Ricky Baker in Taika Waititi’s *Hunt for the Wilderpeople* and Firefist in *Deadpool 2*.

Gabriel Howell as Snotlout Jorgenson

Gabriel Howell takes on the role of Snotlout, Hiccup's arrogant and competitive cousin. Born in 1999, Howell is a British actor whose notable television work includes playing a young Elias Mannix in the Netflix mystery thriller miniseries *Bodies*.

Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn as Ruffnut and Tuffnut

The chaotic, inseparable fraternal twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, will be portrayed by Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn, respectively. James, born in 1994, is known for her role as Fanny in the period drama *Harlots* and is also cast in the upcoming *Wicked* musical films. Trevaldwyn, also born in 1994, is an actor and comedian known for roles in *The Bubble* and *Ten Percent*. Their combined comedic energy is expected to capture the twins' signature absurdity.

Unique Production Details and Character Changes

The *How to Train Your Dragon* live-action movie is not a shot-for-shot remake but a "reimagining" that will introduce subtle yet significant changes to the beloved world of Berk, as confirmed by the returning director Dean DeBlois. This approach allows the film to leverage the realism of the live-action format while staying true to the original's heart.

The Real-World Challenge of Toothless's Design

One of the most complex challenges was translating the beloved Night Fury, Toothless, into a realistic live-action creature. The design team focused on maintaining the dragon's signature cat- and bat-like features, which made him so expressive in the animation, while adjusting his physical structure to appear more grounded in reality. Director DeBlois has confirmed that the live-action Toothless will feature subtle differences, moving away from the animated version's "cartoonish" elements to create a more believable, yet still adorable, companion.

The Surprising Change to Gobber's Appearance

Nick Frost revealed a unique, production-driven change to his character, Gobber the Belch. In the animated film, Gobber has a prosthetic hand and a prosthetic leg. Frost disclosed that in the live-action version, Gobber will only have one prosthetic—a hand—and will retain both his legs. This change was reportedly made because Frost was waiting for knee surgery at the time of filming, making the dual prosthetics impractical, a fascinating, real-world detail that directly impacts a beloved character’s look.

The Anticipated 2025 Release and Final Thoughts

Originally slated for a 2024 release, the *How to Train Your Dragon* live-action film faced production delays due to industry strikes, pushing its theatrical debut to 2025. The film is set to follow the same foundational plot as the 2010 original: a story of an undersized Viking teen who, instead of slaying a dragon to earn his tribe's respect, befriends the rarest of them all, a Night Fury.

With a full cast now confirmed—a blend of seasoned actors like Gerard Butler and Nick Frost, and breakout stars like Mason Thames and Nico Parker—the excitement for the *How to Train Your Dragon* live-action movie is palpable. The production is poised to deliver a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adventure that will satisfy both long-time fans of the DreamWorks trilogy and newcomers to the enchanting world of Berk.