Few animated films have captured audiences like How to Train Your Dragon, and its live-action remake now has a cast taking shape. Mason Thames plays Hiccup, Nico Parker plays Astrid, and Gerard Butler returns as Stoick — here’s everything we know so far about the 2025 release.
Confirmed cast members: 7 main roles ·
Original voice actor returning: Gerard Butler ·
Release year: 2025
Quick snapshot
- Mason Thames as Hiccup (Hollywood Reporter – casting news)
- Nico Parker as Astrid (Hollywood Reporter – casting news)
- Gerard Butler as Stoick (IMDb – full credits)
- Whether other original voice actors like Jay Baruchel will appear
- Exact release date beyond 2025-06-13
- 2024: Cast members announced via multiple outlets (Hollywood Reporter)
- 2025-06-13: Theatrical release scheduled (Universal Pictures official site)
- Release of full trailer and additional casting updates
- Sequel discussions already underway per interviews
Five key facts about the live-action film, one pattern: the studio is blending returning veterans with fresh faces to honor the animated classic while building something new.
| Film title | How to Train Your Dragon (2025) |
| Release year | 2025 |
| Lead actor | Mason Thames as Hiccup |
| Lead actress | Nico Parker as Astrid |
| Returning original voice actor | Gerard Butler (Stoick) |
| Director/Writer | Dean DeBlois |
Who is going to be in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon?
Confirmed main leads: Hiccup and Astrid
- Mason Thames plays Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the inventive son of Chief Stoick. Universal Pictures confirmed the casting on their official movie site.
- Nico Parker takes on Astrid Hofferson, Hiccup’s fierce and determined love interest, also confirmed by Hollywood Reporter.
The Hollywood Reporter noted that Thames and Parker are among the newer principal cast members replacing the original voice actors for live-action portrayals (Hollywood Reporter – casting news).
Universal is betting that fresh young leads will attract a new generation while the nostalgic pull of Gerard Butler keeps parents in seats. The teaser trailer released on 2024-11-19 already crossed millions of views.
The casting strategy mirrors Universal’s approach of blending familiar voices with new faces.
Rest of the young dragon riders
- Gabriel Howell as Snotlout Jorgenson (Hollywood Reporter – supporting cast)
- Julian Dennison as Fishlegs Ingerman (Wikipedia – cast list)
- Bronwyn James as Ruffnut Thorston (People.com – entertainment section)
- Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut Thorston (Universal Pictures official site)
People.com described Bronwyn James’s character as “a spirited and unpredictable young Viking who trains alongside Hiccup” (People.com – entertainment section).
Returning voice actors from the animated films
- Gerard Butler reprises Stoick the Vast, a role he first voiced in the 2010 animated film (IMDb – full credits).
- Nick Frost plays Gobber the Belch, the blacksmith and mentor (Universal Pictures official site).
The pattern: Butler serves as the nostalgic anchor while the new actors redefine the younger roles.
Who plays the new Astrid?
Nico Parker’s background and casting
- Nico Parker, daughter of actress Thandiwe Newton, was officially announced as Astrid Hofferson via Universal’s teaser trailer on YouTube.
- She follows roles in Dumbo and The Last of Us (TV series).
Parker replaces America Ferrera, who voiced Astrid in the animated trilogy. The Hollywood Reporter characterized her casting as part of a younger, fresh-faced ensemble.
Comparison to the animated Astrid
The animated Astrid was a confident, competitive warrior who grew into Hiccup’s partner. Early promotional materials suggest Parker’s Astrid will carry the same fierce independence. No specific differences have been described yet, but the live-action version is expected to offer a more grounded take on the character.
Will Cate Blanchett return as Valka?
Cate Blanchett’s role in the animated films
- Blanchett voiced Valka, Hiccup’s long-lost mother, in How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) and The Hidden World (2019).
Two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett is confirmed to reprise her role as Valka in the live-action adaptation, according to Hollywood Reporter. This marks a significant returning connection to the sequel films.
Confirmation of her return in the live-action
Blanchett joins Butler as the second major original voice actor returning for the remake. Her character, Valka, is a dragon advocate and mother who was thought lost. The live-action film reportedly covers events similar to the first movie, so Valka’s inclusion may hint that the adaptation will incorporate story elements from the sequels. Gerard Butler discussed the possibility of further sequels in a YouTube promotional interview.
The implication: Valka’s presence signals a consolidated saga rather than a simple retread.
Who is LGBT in How to Train Your Dragon?
Gobber’s characterization in the animated series
- Gobber, the blacksmith and mentor, is often interpreted by fans as LGBTQ+.
TikTok discussions have explored Gobber’s queerness, though no official statement from DreamWorks has confirmed his orientation. In the live-action film, Nick Frost plays Gobber. Fans are watching closely to see whether the character’s subtext becomes more explicit.
Fan interpretations and live-action expectations
The animated film never directly addressed sexuality, but Gobber’s mannerisms and lack of a love interest led many in the fandom to read him as gay. The live-action remake, being a retelling of the original story, may or may not expand on this aspect. No official casting or script detail has indicated a change.
A more explicit portrayal could broaden representation but risks alienating some family audiences. For the studio, the decision hinges on balancing nostalgia with contemporary expectations.
The catch: Universal will likely measure audience reaction before committing to a more explicit portrayal.
Is Cate Blanchett going to be in How to Train Your Dragon 2?
Blanchett’s role in the animated sequel
- Cate Blanchett voiced Valka in How to Train Your Dragon 2 and The Hidden World (IMDb – Credits for HTTYD2).
She will also appear in the 2025 live-action film. This connects the remake directly to the broader franchise, suggesting that Valka’s storyline — a key emotional driver in the sequels — may be woven into the new adaptation.
Connection to the live-action film
With both Blanchett and Butler returning, the live-action film is clearly not a standalone project. Director Dean DeBlois, who co-directed the original animated trilogy (BBC News – director confirmation), has hinted at a larger arc. IGN reported that the live-action remake is the first DreamWorks Animation film to receive a live-action adaptation, and sequel discussion is already underway (IGN – live-action details).
What this means: Blanchett’s return solidifies the live-action as a continuation of the animated franchise’s core emotional lineage.
“Mason Thames as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the awkward 16-year-old son of Stoick the Vast.”
“Two-time Oscar® winner Cate Blanchett is set to reprise her role as Valka in the live-action adaptation.”
— Hollywood Reporter – casting confirmation
“Bronwyn James joins the cast as Ruffnut Thorston, a spirited and unpredictable young Viking who trains alongside Hiccup and has a knack for getting into trouble.”
Timeline
- 2024 – Cast members announced via multiple outlets, teaser trailer released on 2024-11-19 (Hollywood Reporter).
- 2025-06-13 – Theatrical release in the United States as per Universal Pictures (Universal Pictures official site).
The pattern: the studio announced the leads early, then staggered supporting roles through the year, building anticipation for the teaser. With Dean DeBlois already discussing sequels in interviews, the live-action film is clearly positioned as the start of a new franchise line.
Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Mason Thames as Hiccup (Hollywood Reporter)
- Nico Parker as Astrid (Hollywood Reporter)
- Gerard Butler as Stoick (IMDb)
- Nick Frost as Gobber (Universal Pictures official site)
- Gabriel Howell as Snotlout (Hollywood Reporter – supporting cast)
- Julian Dennison as Fishlegs (Wikipedia)
- Bronwyn James as Ruffnut (People.com)
- Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut (Universal Pictures official site)
- Cate Blanchett as Valka (Hollywood Reporter)
- Ruth Codd as Phlegma the Fierce (Hollywood Reporter)
- Release date: 2025-06-13 (Universal Pictures official site)
- Director: Dean DeBlois (BBC News)
What’s unclear
- Whether original Hiccup voice actor Jay Baruchel appears in any capacity
- Exact release date beyond June 13, 2025 (no precise date in some markets)
- Roles of Peter Serafinowicz and Murray McArthur (named in fandom wiki but unconfirmed by official sources)
- Full plot details – how much of the sequels’ story is incorporated
The live-action How to Train Your Dragon already has a solid cast of nine confirmed actors, with the biggest question mark being whether any other original voice actors will cameo. The implication: Universal is betting on a hybrid approach — new young leads for a new generation, plus veteran returnees like Butler and Blanchett to bridge the gap for original fans.
For a comprehensive look at the full lineup, check out this complete animated and live-action cast list that includes both the original voice actors and the new live-action performers.
Frequently asked questions
When is the live-action How to Train Your Dragon releasing?
The film is scheduled for release on June 13, 2025, in the United States, per Universal Pictures.
Is Gerard Butler returning for the live-action?
Yes, Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick the Vast in the 2025 live-action film.
Who is directing the live-action How to Train Your Dragon?
Dean DeBlois, who co-directed the original animated trilogy, wrote and directed the live-action adaptation.
Will Jay Baruchel voice Hiccup again?
Jay Baruchel has not been announced in any role. Mason Thames portrays Hiccup in the live-action film.
Is the live-action a direct remake of the 2010 film?
Universal describes it as a retelling of the original story, but the inclusion of Valka (Cate Blanchett) suggests elements from the sequels may also appear.
Who plays Astrid in the live-action film?
Nico Parker plays Astrid Hofferson, replacing America Ferrera from the animated films.
Will the live-action film have sequels?
Dean DeBlois has discussed sequel plans in promotional interviews, indicating that the 2025 film is intended as the first of a live-action franchise.
Related reading
- Gnomeo and Juliet: Cast, Songs, Where to Watch & Sequels
- Beyond the Spider-Verse – June 2027 Release Details
For fans of animated franchise adaptations, the live-action How to Train Your Dragon cast represents a careful balance of nostalgia and fresh energy. With a summer 2025 release on the horizon, the real test will be whether the new Hiccup, Astrid, and company can recapture the magic that made the original soar.
Ethan Fraser is Senior Reporter at Aussie Focus Hub, covering breaking stories and explainers.