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

The Isle of Berk is officially real, and the Vikings have been cast. After years of anticipation, the live-action adaptation of DreamWorks’ beloved animated classic, *How to Train Your Dragon*, has finally arrived, bringing a fresh, young cast to the rugged world of dragon riders. This new film, which launched on June 13, 2025, is directed by the original trilogy's visionary, Dean DeBlois, and promises a grounded, yet magical, retelling of the unlikely friendship between a Viking teenager and a fearsome Night Fury.

The biggest question for fans—who could possibly fill the shoes of the iconic animated characters—has been answered with a mix of rising Hollywood stars and a powerful veteran reprisal. The casting process focused on finding actors who could capture the "spirit" and emotional depth of Hiccup, Astrid, and the entire Berk crew, ensuring the live-action movie maintains the heart of the original story.

The Full Confirmed Cast and Character Biographies

The live-action *How to Train Your Dragon* features a core ensemble of talented actors tasked with bringing the Hairy Hooligan Tribe to life. The full cast list blends established names with exciting newcomers, delivering a fresh take on the classic Viking heroes.

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• Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III: Mason Thames

The role of the scrawny, inventive Viking heir, Hiccup, is played by American actor Mason Thames. Born on July 10, 2007, Thames is best known for his breakout lead role as Finney Blake in the critically acclaimed horror film *The Black Phone* (2021). His previous credits also include appearances in television series like *For All Mankind* and *Walker*. Director Dean DeBlois praised Thames for embodying the character's brave, beloved, and earnest nature, making him the perfect choice to lead the franchise.

• Astrid Hofferson: Nico Parker

Taking on the role of the fierce, intelligent, and formidable warrior Astrid is British actress Nico Parker. The daughter of actress Thandiwe Newton and filmmaker Ol Parker, Nico made her film debut in the live-action fantasy film *Dumbo* (2019). She gained wider recognition for her powerful performance as Sarah Miller in the HBO post-apocalyptic series *The Last of Us*. Parker’s casting drew attention, but DeBlois defended the choice, emphasizing that the search was for actors who could embody the characters’ soul rather than simply matching their animated appearance.

• Stoick the Vast: Gerard Butler

In a rare and welcome move for a live-action remake, Scottish actor Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick, the formidable chief of Berk and Hiccup’s father. Butler, famous for his roles in films like *300* and the *Olympus Has Fallen* series, voiced Stoick in the entire animated trilogy. His return ensures a powerful continuity and a familiar voice for the fan-favorite character, providing an emotional anchor for the film.

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• Snotlout Jorgenson: Gabriel Howell

The arrogant, dragon-fighting student and Hiccup’s rival, Snotlout, is portrayed by Gabriel Howell. Howell is an English actor who trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. He previously appeared in the 2021 film *The Fence*, and fans are eager to see his take on the character originally voiced by Jonah Hill.

• Fishlegs Ingerman: Julian Dennison

New Zealand actor Julian Dennison steps into the role of Fishlegs, the timid, yet encyclopedic, dragon-fighting student. Dennison is a familiar face to many, having gained international recognition for his breakout role in Taika Waititi’s *Hunt for the Wilderpeople* and for playing the mutant Firefist in *Deadpool 2*. His comedic timing and charm are expected to bring a new dimension to the lovable, gentle giant of the group.

• Ruffnut Thorston: Bronwyn James

One half of the chaotic twin duo, Ruffnut is played by Bronwyn James. James is an English actress known for her roles in television and film, including playing Fanny Beardsley in the series *Outlander*. She is also known for her role as Shenshen in the musical film *Wicked* (2024).

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• Tuffnut Thorston: Harry Trevaldwyn

The other half of the Thorston twins, Tuffnut, is portrayed by Harry Trevaldwyn. Trevaldwyn is a British actor whose previous work includes roles in the film *The Bubble*. Together with Bronwyn James, the duo is set to deliver the signature chaotic energy of the twins.

• Gobber the Belch: Peter Serafinowicz

The role of Stoick’s second-in-command, the blacksmith Gobber, is played by Peter Serafinowicz. Serafinowicz is a well-known British actor and comedian, recognized for his roles in *Guardians of the Galaxy* and the title role in *The Tick*.

The Director’s Vision: Finding the Soul of Berk

The decision to bring *How to Train Your Dragon* to live-action was not taken lightly, especially by its director, Dean DeBlois, who wrote and directed the original animated trilogy. DeBlois, who admitted to being skeptical of live-action remakes in general, only agreed to take on the project if he could direct it himself, ensuring the new film would be a faithful, yet fresh, adaptation.

His primary challenge was translating the highly stylized world of animation into a grounded, tangible reality. DeBlois emphasized that the film is not a shot-for-shot remake, but rather a chance to explore the story with a new level of realism and emotional depth. The casting choices reflect this approach, prioritizing the actors’ ability to capture the complex emotional journey of the characters, particularly Hiccup and Astrid, over physical resemblance to their animated counterparts.

Bringing Toothless to Life: The Challenge of the Night Fury

No discussion of the *HTTYD* live-action film is complete without addressing the most critical character: Toothless, the last Night Fury. The animated Toothless is beloved for his expressive, cat-like mannerisms and his deep, emotional connection with Hiccup. Translating this creature into a photorealistic live-action setting presented a massive challenge for the visual effects team and Dean DeBlois.

The director revealed that while they aimed for a more realistic, organic look for the dragon, they intentionally kept one key feature from the animated design: the large, expressive eyes. Early tests with smaller, more reptilian eyes made Toothless appear less friendly and less capable of conveying the deep emotional bond central to the story. By maintaining the expressive eyes, the creative team ensured that the emotional core of the film—the friendship between the boy and his dragon—remains intact, blending fantasy with grounded realism.

The Real-World Isle of Berk: Filming Locations

To achieve the grounded, rugged aesthetic of the Viking world, the production team chose stunning real-world locations that perfectly capture the harsh beauty of Berk. The bulk of the filming was conducted in Northern Ireland, a region famous for its dramatic landscapes that previously served as a backdrop for the epic fantasy series *Game of Thrones*.

Additional breathtaking scenery was captured in the Faroe Islands and Iceland. These locations, known for their craggy cliffs, vast ocean views, and stark, beautiful terrain, lend an authenticity and scale to the film that simply couldn't be achieved on a soundstage. This commitment to practical locations helps immerse the audience in the world of the Hairy Hooligans and their struggle against the fearsome dragons.

What’s Next for the Live-Action Franchise?

The anticipation for the live-action *How to Train Your Dragon* has been so high that Universal Pictures has already announced plans for a sequel, even before the first film's theatrical run concluded. Star Mason Thames has reportedly shared news that the follow-up film is moving forward quickly, signaling confidence in the new franchise.

With the first film setting the stage for the incredible journey of Hiccup and Toothless, fans can look forward to seeing the new cast and their dragons explore the vast, dangerous, and beautiful world outside of Berk. The live-action adaptation is poised to become a major success, appealing to both long-time fans of the animated trilogy and a new generation discovering the magic of the Viking-dragon saga.