How to Train Your Dragon Live-Action Cast Revealed: Meet the Actors Bringing Berk to Life
Journey back to the mythical Isle of Berk! DreamWorks’ beloved animated saga, How to Train Your Dragon, is soaring from the screen into an exciting live-action adaptation set to hit theaters on June 13, 2025. This highly anticipated film promises to revisit the heartwarming tale of a young Viking and his unlikely dragon companion, bringing the iconic world to life in a whole new way.
Based loosely on Cressida Cowell’s novels and drawing inspiration from the original 2010 animated masterpiece and its sequels, the live-action movie features a blend of fresh faces and a notable returning star. Dean DeBlois, the visionary director behind the Oscar-nominated animated trilogy, returns to helm this new chapter, ensuring a connection to the source material fans adore.
Anticipation is high, especially after early glimpses revealed the stunning design of Toothless, which fans have praised for looking “perfect” and easing many reservations about the adaptation. The film is expected to recreate iconic, emotional moments, including the first time Hiccup earns Toothless’s trust, a scene that resonated deeply with audiences in the original.
Here’s your guide to the cast bringing the brave, and sometimes clumsy, Vikings of Berk to life in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon, pictured side-by-side with their animated counterparts.
Meet the Vikings of Berk
Mason Thames as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III
The heart of the story, Hiccup, is portrayed by Mason Thames. Hiccup is a scrawny teenage boy who struggles to live up to his mighty father’s expectations as a fearsome dragon fighter. His life changes forever when he forms an unexpected, deep bond with a dragon, challenging the very foundations of his Viking world.
For Thames, taking on the role was both an honor and a significant challenge due to his personal love for the original films. “It was a lot of pressure for me because I love Hiccup so much,” Thames told ClutchPoints in August 2024. “I know how many people love the movies, and I didn’t want to let anybody down.” He immersed himself so fully that, even after filming wrapped, he found himself “running like Hiccup, I started talking like Hiccup.” He told TooFab, “He’s a part of my heart and I love him.”
Thames rose to prominence with his breakout role in 2021’s The Black Phone and also starred in 2024’s Incoming.
Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson
Stepping into the role of the fierce and capable Astrid Hofferson is Nico Parker. Astrid is a young Viking warrior and a fellow student in dragon training who eventually becomes Hiccup’s close friend and love interest.
Parker teased an impressive first flight scene between Astrid and Hiccup in a February 2024 interview, expressing confidence in the film’s execution. “Everything is being executed with incredible amounts of love and care,” she said, anticipating it will be “incredibly exciting.”
Parker gained recognition for her breakout performance in Disney’s 2019 live-action adaptation of Dumbo and has since appeared in notable projects like Max’s The Last of Us and the film Suncoast.
Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast
A familiar voice returns! Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick the Vast, Hiccup’s formidable father and the strong-willed chief of the Hairy Hooligan tribe. Stoick is deeply committed to protecting his people from dragons while often misunderstanding his unconventional son.
Butler voiced Stoick in the original animated trilogy, earning an Annie Award nomination. Returning for the live-action version brought new, physical challenges. He shared with Collider in November 2024 that his multi-layered, 90 lb. Stoick costume, complete with thick furs, a beard, sword, shield, and helmet, became a “furnace” during filming in the Northern Ireland winter.
Outside the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, Butler is known for roles in films like 300 and the Olympus Has Fallen series.
Nick Frost as Gobber the Belch
The village blacksmith, seasoned warrior, and Stoick’s longtime friend, Gobber the Belch, is played by Nick Frost. Gobber often mentors the younger Vikings during their dragon training, offering gruff wisdom and comic relief.
Frost expressed his excitement for the film following the teaser trailer release in November 2024, declaring on Instagram, “You’re going to LOVE IT!!!”
A veteran of Edgar Wright’s Cornetto Trilogy (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World’s End), Frost brings his comedic talent to Berk. He recently voiced a droid in the 2024 Disney+ series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.
Julian Dennison as Fishlegs Ingerman
Hiccup’s best friend, the lovable and highly intelligent Fishlegs Ingerman, is portrayed by Julian Dennison. Despite being somewhat clumsy and fearful, Fishlegs possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of dragon breeds and their traits.
Dennison first captivated audiences in Taika Waititi’s Hunt for the Wilderpeople in 2016. He has since appeared in major films like Deadpool 2 and Godzilla vs. Kong, and was cast in the 2024 film Y2K.
Gabriel Howell as Snotlout Jorgenson
The arrogant and boastful Snotlout Jorgenson, a rival and cousin to Hiccup, is played by Gabriel Howell. Though often clashing with Hiccup due to his desire for glory and dragon-slaying prowess, Snotlout does show moments of loyalty.
Howell is recognized for his role as Elias in the Netflix series Bodies.
Bronwyn James as Ruffnut Thorston
Bringing one half of the chaotic twin duo to life is Bronwyn James as Ruffnut Thorston. Ruffnut is a spirited, unpredictable young Viking who trains alongside Hiccup and often gets into trouble with her brother.
James’s previous credits include roles in the series Harlots and Lockwood & Co. She also appeared in the 2024 film adaptation of Wicked.
Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut Thorston
Completing the twin pair is Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut Thorston. Tuffnut, Ruffnut’s twin brother, shares her love for mayhem and often squabbles with her, but they are fiercely loyal to each other.
Trevaldwyn shared his enthusiasm for joining the cast on Instagram in January 2024, writing, “Very happy to be in Berk 🐉💘.” He later posted behind-the-scenes glimpses, saying the cast made the experience “complete heaven.”
Trevaldwyn’s prior work includes appearances in the film The Bubble and the Prime Video series My Lady Jane.
Ruth Codd as Phlegma the Fierce
Joining the residents of Berk is Ruth Codd as Phlegma the Fierce. In the animated world, Phlegma is a knowledgeable Berk villager who becomes the botanist at the School of Dragons.
Codd initially gained prominence as a TikTok star before transitioning to acting, with notable roles in Mike Flanagan’s Netflix series The Midnight Club and The Fall of the House of Usher.
Peter Serafinowicz as Spitelout Jorgenson
Adding another familiar face to the cast is Peter Serafinowicz as Spitelout Jorgenson, Snotlout’s father. Known for his distinctive voice work and comedic timing, Serafinowicz is a welcome addition to the Viking community.
Serafinowicz is known for extensive credits including Shaun of the Dead, Guardians of the Galaxy, and the TV series Spaced. He enthusiastically commented on his experience, calling the film “the funnest thing I’ve ever done” and “really fg great” for fans of the original.
As the countdown to June 13, 2025, begins, fans eagerly await seeing these talented actors step into the boots and helmets of Berk’s legendary inhabitants and witness the magic of How to Train Your Dragon* take flight once more.
