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Gather around, Dragon-riders! (Read in Stoick’s voice)
June 2025 is our year! The Isle of Berk is coming to our screens in live-action format, and we just can’t keep calm. Excitement, thrill, and nervousness, we feel it all – what if they make it better than the animation, or worse, what if they don’t? Will the live-action How To Train Your Dragon cast bring in the same magic? We’ve already had doubts about Nico Parker’s casting as Astrid, what other surprises Dean DeBlois is planning for us?!
Let’s check out the dates, the cast, the hot goss, and a lot more from the universe of How to Train Your Dragon in this post.
When Do the Dragons Come Alive in the Cinemas?
Friday the 13th, June 2025.
Yes, you read that right. The long-awaited How To Train Your Dragon live-action release date is out. However, unlike the usual spirit of Friday the 13th, this one’s going to make us scream a different way.
Who’s Playing Your Favourite Character?
Hiccup
Played by: Mason Thames
The 17-year-old Mason Thames, who has gained popularity in Universal’s “The Black Phone,” plays the shy and determined character of Hiccup. He started acting at the age of 11 and has already been a part of phenomenal successes alongside personalities like Ethan Hawke.
His lanky, intelligent, and curious personality is fit to play our beloved Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III. And we can’t wait to see how he plays out with the heart of the series, Toothless the Dragon.
Astrid
Played by: Nico Parker
The most asked question on everyone’s mind was: Who plays Astrid in How To Train Your Dragon? The reveal of Nico Parker in the trailer sparked a widespread controversy. Her role in “The Last of Us” was highly appreciated and her acting credibility soared after that. However the followers of the How To franchise recognize Astrid as white, and not a person of color.
Fortunately, the film’s director DeBlois addressed this issue on Instagram. He commented “The casting process focused on finding actors who captured the “spirit and personality” of the characters rather than adhering strictly to their animated counterparts.”
Fishlegs Ingerman
Played by: Julian Dennison
The loveable Viking with a big heart, Fishlegs, has always been people’s favorite. Julian Dennison, who plays the character, was seen in Deadpool 2 and Godzilla vs Kong where he was loved by all.
Dennison’s charm and comedic timing have won the hearts of audiences worldwide. His natural ability to humor and sincerity with which he plays the character given to him makes him an ideal choice. Fans trust him to bring Fishlegs, a gentle dragon lover, to life in the live-action.
Snotlout
Played by: Gabriel Howell
Hiccup’s brutally frank, and stubborn cousin Snotlout will be brought to life by Gabriel Howell. Gabriel came into the limelight with his latest Netflix series, Bodies, and seems like a promising actor. His bold on-screen presence makes him a fitting choice to play Hiccup’s cocky cousin.
Stoick the Vast
Played by: Gerard Butler
Gerard Butler is reprising as chief of Isle of Berk and Hiccup’s dad in the live-action of How To Train Your Dragon. Who can be better than Gerard Butler to play the Chief of Berk with his strong personality and powerful voice? He commands the character!
Hiccup & Astrid: Chemistry Reimagined & Debates Settled
When it comes to the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, Astrid’s and Hiccup’s chemistry is a sweet nothing everyone can do with. Their relationship started as a clash of opposites—Hiccup, the shy, brainy guy, and Astrid, the fierce and skilled warrior. However, over time, the jealousy and competition between the two fade away, and they become the most loved Viking duo.
Now, as we are gearing up to step into the live-action world, the big question is: Can their chemistry translate to the big screen as it did in animation?
Fans are already buzzing about whether we’ll see the same spark between the two characters that made us all root for “Hicstrid” when they started their training. Whether it is their first awkward moments or the way they support each other during fights.
Though there have been speculations about the race of Astrid (white) who is played by Nico Parker (black), DeBlois cleared all speculations by taking this up on Instagram.
He stated “The tribe in this version is made up of descendants of the finest dragon fighters from everywhere the Vikings had ever traveled (which historically was far and wide – Vikings mixed with many cultures). Still, we’re crafting a fantasy, not a historical fact… Instead of a completely new tale, we aimed to embellish and deepen, without abandoning the story that fans love.”
With that being said both Nico and Mason are sure to bring life to their respective characters with their remarkable acting skills and stay true to the Hictstrid chemistry that every HHTYD fan roots for.
Some Fascinating Facts About Your Favorite Movie Franchise
How to Train Your Dragon Book Series
Before being one of the most loved animated movies How to Train Your Dragon is a novel series written by Cressida Cowell. The book was released on February 1 2003 and sold over 8 million books worldwide in 38 languages.
Toothless Amalgamation
Our favorite dragon Toothless is a combination of multiple animals. According to the head of character animation, Simon Otto “Toothless is a cross between a black panther, a bat, and a small bird of prey.” “He also has some snake influences in his design and his behavior is a mixture of cat, dog, horse, and a whole lot of other odd animals, such as wombats, kangaroos, etc.”
Isle of Berk without Astrid!?
The strong Viking warrior Astrid is not featured in the book. Astrid’s character was specially created for the film. Can you imagine How To Train Your Dragon without Astrid? We can not.
Also Read: 15 Best Shows on Disney Plus for Adults: Let’s Stream It!
Toothless in Live-Action: Let’s Break Down The Trailer
Watch the trailer here.
From the moment the How To Train Your Dragon live-action trailer was released, fans are eagerly waiting to watch the movie on the big screens. The trailer is packed with some of our favorite moments from the animation, whether it is the first time Hiccup meets Toothless or when we see the dragon escape the Red Death’s den.
If you look at Toothless in the animation series, we see a cute dragon dog for a friend. In the live-action trailer, we see the magnificent Toothless in all his glory. While still capturing the essence of the animation Toothless, the live-action adds a little “dragon” touch to him.
The CGI is remarkable, with intricate detailing and life-like animation. Berk is depicted with stunning visuals, from the Viking longhouses to the breathtaking cliffs and the dragon ring. Toothless takes on a new life in this live-action How To Train Your Dragon version. From the intricate scales seen on Toothless to the green doe eyes, the animation brings the dragon to life.
And even though the plot seems awfully similar to the 2010 release of the HTTYD’s first part, the live-action is worth watching for the sheer grandeur of it.
In short, the trailer is everything we could’ve hoped for and more. The dragons are breathtaking, Berk is alive with all its glory, and the Vikings are ready to destroy anyone that comes in their way.
In Short
The live-action How to Train Your Dragon movie is set to release on 13th June 2025. The trailer of this film has instilled a sense of curiosity among the fans with its visually appealing trailer. The trailer promises to deliver breathtaking visuals, with the stunning CGI work bringing dragons like Toothless, Stormfly, Changewing, and many more. The Isle of Berk would be seen with its lush mountains and majestic sea, which will immerse fans into the heart of Berk with dragons and Vikings coexisting.
The cast, led by Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nico Parker as Astrid, offers a fresh take on the characters while maintaining the essence of what made them so beloved in the animated films. Their chemistry, a crucial aspect of the story, is already generating buzz making fans eager to see how their relationship is shown on screen.
So get your Viking helmets ready for June 2025 and dive into the fantasy world of Vikings, dragons, and a whole lot of adventure and emotions.
FAQ’s
Is How to Train Your Dragon making a live-action?
Yes, How to Train Your Dragon is being adapted into a live-action movie. Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation are bringing on the most loved animation franchise to real in June 2025. The film is directed by Dean DeBlois. Be prepared to watch Hiccup and his dragon, Toothless live in action.
Who will play Hiccup in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon?
Mason Thames, known for his lead role in The Black Phone, is playing Hiccup in the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon.
Who plays Stoick in How to Train Your Dragon live-action?
Gerard Butler will reprise Stoick as the Chief and Hiccup’s father in the live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. Stoick the Vast in the animated movie ‘How to Train Your Dragon’
