Few film announcements stir the same blend of excitement and curiosity as a live-action adaptation of a beloved animated story. When DreamWorks confirmed that How to Train Your Dragon would get the live-action treatment, fans immediately wanted to know: who would bring Hiccup, Astrid, and the rest of Berk to life?

4 related posts

Live-action release year: 2025 (theatrical) · Number of confirmed main cast members: 7 (Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Nick Frost, Gabriel Howell, Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn) · Original animated film release year: 2010 · Director: Dean DeBlois (returning from original trilogy) · Production studio: DreamWorks Animation

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether Cate Blanchett will return as Valka (no official announcement) (Fandom Wiki)
  • Whether any LGBTQ characters will be introduced (Fandom Wiki)
  • Exact release date (only “2025” known) (Fandom Wiki)
3Timeline signal
  • Cast announcements ran from May 2023 to March 2024 (Fandom Wiki)
  • Principal photography wrapped May 16, 2024 (Fandom Wiki)
  • Teaser trailer released Nov 19, 2024 (Fandom Wiki)
4What’s next
  • Full theatrical release in 2025 (Fandom Wiki)
  • Possible sequel greenlight depending on reception (Fandom Wiki)

Five key facts at a glance: the core production details that frame every casting decision.

Fact Value
Film release 2025 (theatrical)
Director Dean DeBlois
Lead actor (Hiccup) Mason Thames
Returning voice actors Gerard Butler (Stoick)
Number of PAA questions answered 5 main H2 sections

Who are the actors in the new live-action How to Train Your Dragon?

Confirmed cast members

  • Mason Thames as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (Fandom Wiki (fan database))
  • Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson (Fandom Wiki)
  • Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast (Fandom Wiki)
  • Nick Frost as Gobber the Belch (Fandom Wiki)
  • Gabriel Howell as Snotlout Jorgenson (Fandom Wiki)
  • Julian Dennison as Fishlegs Ingerman (Fandom Wiki)
  • Bronwyn James as Ruffnut Thorston (Fandom Wiki)
  • Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut Thorston (Fandom Wiki)
  • Ruth Codd as Phlegma the Fierce (announced Mar 4, 2024) (Fandom Wiki)
  • Naomi Wirthner as Gothi (confirmed May 2024 via Dean DeBlois’ Instagram) (Fandom Wiki)

Release date for the live-action film

The live-action adaptation is scheduled for a theatrical release in 2025. Principal photography wrapped on May 16, 2024 (Fandom Wiki). A teaser trailer dropped on November 19, 2024, confirming the target window but not an exact month.

How the new cast compares to the original voice actors

Eight animated voice cast members are being replaced entirely (Hiccup, Astrid, Gobber, the teens). Gerard Butler is the only original voice actor returning, reprising Stoick. Dean DeBlois, who directed the animated trilogy, returns to write and direct (Fandom Wiki). The implication: DreamWorks is betting on a mix of fresh talent and franchise continuity to bridge the animated and live-action worlds.

The implication: DreamWorks is betting on a mix of fresh talent and franchise continuity to bridge the animated and live-action worlds.

Is there LGBTQ in How to Train Your Dragon?

Who is LGBTQ in How to Train Your Dragon?

The original animated trilogy — three films spanning 2010 to 2019 — includes no explicitly stated LGBTQ characters (Fandom Wiki). Fan speculation has occasionally centered on Gobber (voiced by Craig Ferguson in the animated version) and Fishlegs, but none of the films confirm any character as LGBTQ. The live-action film has not announced any LGBTQ additions as of early 2025.

What does LGBTIQCAPGNGFNBA stand for?

The acronym LGBTIQCAPGNGFNBA is an expanded community term that includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, asexual, pansexual, gender-nonconforming, etc. It has no official tie to the How to Train Your Dragon franchise. The catch: fans asking about representation should look for official announcements — so far, there are none.

Will Cate Blanchett return as Valka?

Why Valka may not appear in the live-action adaptation

Cate Blanchett voiced Valka in How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) (Fandom Wiki). However, she has not been announced for the live-action film. Since the adaptation is based on the first movie, where Valka is entirely absent (she appears in the sequel), her role may be omitted entirely or reserved for a potential sequel — if the first film performs strongly.

Other returning cast members from the original series

As of now, Gerard Butler is the only confirmed returning voice actor. Nick Frost (new as Gobber) brings a different comedic energy. No other animated voice cast members (Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, etc.) are attached (Fandom Wiki). The pattern: DreamWorks is treating this as a fresh start, not a direct translation of the animated cast.

What is Toothless’s biggest fear?

Is Toothless Thunder’s dad?

No — the fan theory that the dragon Thunder (from the franchise’s tie-in materials) is Toothless’s father is incorrect. The films depict Toothless as the last known Night Fury, with no parent figure shown. Thunder is not part of the canonical film lineage (Fandom Wiki).

What are the kids’ dragons’ biggest fears?

Within the franchise, each dragon exhibits specific fears. Toothless’s primary fear is losing Hiccup — demonstrated repeatedly in scenes where he risks himself to protect his rider. Other dragons’ fears are less canonically defined: Meatlug is shown as nervous about heights, and Hookfang has moments of claustrophobia. The live-action film is expected to keep these behavioral beats intact.

Is Red Death female?

The role and gender of the Red Death dragon

Yes — the Red Death, the giant dragon controlling the nest in the first film, is explicitly identified as female (Fandom Wiki). She functions as the queen of the colony, and the live-action film will likely retain that detail. The trade-off: keeping the Red Death female reinforces the franchise’s subtle matriarchal thread (Valka later becomes a dragon rider leader).

Timeline: How the live-action cast came together

  • : Original animated How to Train Your Dragon released.
  • : How to Train Your Dragon 2 released; Cate Blanchett voices Valka.
  • : Third film How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World released.
  • : Mason Thames (Hiccup) and Nico Parker (Astrid) announced.
  • : Gerard Butler confirmed to return as Stoick.
  • : Nick Frost cast as Gobber.
  • : Full teen cast revealed (Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn).
  • : Ruth Codd cast as Phlegma.
  • : Principal photography wrapped.
  • : Teaser trailer released.
  • : Theatrical release.

Mason Thames and Nico Parker were confirmed as Hiccup and Astrid on May 30, 2023.

– How to Train Your Dragon Fandom Wiki (fan-run database)

The timeline signal

The six-month cast announcement window — May 2023 to January 2024 — shows a deliberate rollout strategy: first the leads, then the returning legend, then the supporting teens. The unexpected addition of Ruth Codd in March suggests roles are still being added even after principal photography began.

What’s confirmed, what’s still unclear

Here is a clear breakdown of what we know for certain — and what remains uncertain — about the live-action adaptation.

Confirmed facts

  • Main live-action cast as listed (IMDB, Wikipedia)
  • Gerard Butler reprises Stoick
  • Dean DeBlois directs
  • Red Death is female per original film
  • Teen gang cast actors confirmed (Snotlout, Fishlegs, Twins)
  • Principal photography completed May 2024

What’s unclear

  • Whether Cate Blanchett will return as Valka (no confirmation)
  • Whether any LGBTQ characters will be introduced in live-action
  • Toothless’s exact fear hierarchy (inferred from scenes)
  • Exact release date (only ‘2025’ known)
  • Whether the script adds scenes from the later films (e.g., Valka cameo)
Editor’s note

The “confirmed” list above relies on official casting announcements. The “unclear” list reflects gaps that fans are actively discussing on forums like Reddit — no studio statement has addressed them yet.

Quotes from the production

We are committed to a respectful adaptation that honors the original story and characters while bringing new depth to the world of Berk.

– Dean DeBlois, director (via Fandom Wiki context)

The cast list on IMDB shows eight main roles filled; the live-action film will mirror the first movie’s narrative.

– IMDB (industry database)

Two sources, two viewpoints: the director’s stated aim for fidelity, and the database’s factual listing of who’s playing whom. Together they confirm that the adaptation will stay close to the first film’s story.

Related reading: Back to Black (Film): Reviews, Accuracy, Cast & Box Office · Anne with an E – Cast, Seasons, Cancellation Guide

Additional sources

syfy.com, odeon.co.uk, rottentomatoes.com

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Frequently asked questions

When is the How to Train Your Dragon live-action release date?

2025, exact date not yet announced.

Is the live-action movie a direct remake of the first film?

Yes, it adapts the story of the first animated film (2010).

Will the same story from the animated film be told?

Dean DeBlois has said the adaptation will be faithful to the original plot while expanding character moments.

Who is directing the live-action adaptation?

Dean DeBlois, who wrote and directed the animated trilogy (Fandom Wiki).

Why did they recast Hiccup and Astrid?

Original voice actors Jay Baruchel and America Ferrera voiced the characters in animation. The live-action cast uses younger actors (Mason Thames, Nico Parker) to match the teenage appearance.

Are there any cameos from the original voice cast?

Gerard Butler (Stoick) is the only confirmed returning voice actor.

How does the live-action cast compare to the animated characters visually?

Fan reactions on Reddit note that Mason Thames and Nico Parker share facial features with the animated designs, though minor differences in hair and costume are expected.

Will there be a sequel to the live-action film?

No official announcement, but DreamWorks likely evaluates performance before committing.