How to Train Your Dragon 2025 Cast: Full Live-Action Actors List

Few animated films from the past decade still spark the kind of emotional loyalty that How to Train Your Dragon does. If you grew up watching Hiccup and Toothless soar across Berk, the idea of seeing them in live action feels both thrilling and a little risky. The 2025 remake has assembled a cast that blends returning talent with fresh faces — and the choices reveal a lot about DreamWorks’ strategy for this new chapter.

Release year: 2025 · Confirmed cast size: 7+ principal roles · Director: Dean DeBlois · Budget estimate: Not publicly disclosed · Production status: Post-production (as of mid-2025)

Is How to Train Your Dragon 2025 a remake of the original?

Yes — the 2025 film is a live-action reimagining of the 2010 animated film, directed by Dean DeBlois, who also helmed the original trilogy. The story follows the same plot: Hiccup, a misfit Viking teen, befriends a wounded Night Fury dragon and transforms his village’s relationship with the creatures. DreamWorks announced the project in 2023, and by 2024 the principal cast was locked in (IMDb Full Cast & Crew).

The implication: this is a faithful recreation, not an expansion. The studio is betting that the original narrative, delivered through live-action performances, will resonate with a new generation while satisfying longtime fans.

What makes it a remake rather than a sequel?

• The 2025 film starts from scratch — it’s not connected to the 2014 or 2019 sequels. No prior story events carry over (Wikipedia (film entry)).
• Dean DeBlois has described it as a “reimagining” — using live-action performances and updated visual effects, but preserving the original narrative beat-by-beat (IMDb News (film industry coverage)).

How does the 2025 film compare to the 2010 original?

The core structure is unchanged: Hiccup struggles to fit in, meets Toothless, wins the dragon-training tournament, and exposes the true nature of dragons. The key difference is the medium. Where the 2010 film used stylised animation, the 2025 version relies on live-action actors, motion-capture for Toothless, and practical sets designed by IMDb (production details).

Live-action forces a shift in performance style — Thames can’t rely on Jay Baruchel’s vocal quirks; he has to sell Hiccup’s vulnerability with his physical presence. The trade-off is authenticity versus nostalgia: new viewers get a grounded Berk, while longtime fans lose the animation’s expressive elasticity.

Dean DeBlois faces a delicate balance. Stick too close to the original, and the remake feels redundant. Deviate too far, and the fanbase rebels. The reported decision to retain the same plot but recast every role — except Gerard Butler — signals a middle path.

Who plays Hiccup and Astrid in the 2025 cast?

The two lead roles have been filled by young actors with notable prior credits, setting the tone for the entire production.

Mason Thames as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III

Mason Thames, known for his role in The Black Phone, steps into the lead role. He is confirmed for Hiccup in the 2025 film (IMDb Full Cast & Crew). Thames brings live-action experience to a character originally defined by Jay Baruchel’s distinctive voice work.

Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson

Nico Parker, a BAFTA nominee for her work in The Last of Us, plays Astrid. She replaces original voice actor America Ferrera. Parker’s casting was confirmed through the same IMDb Full Cast & Crew listing.

The pattern: DreamWorks chose actors with dramatic live-action credentials over voice-acting specialists, signaling a shift in performance expectations.

Who else is in the How to Train Your Dragon 2025 cast?

Beyond the leads, the supporting cast brings together returning talent and new additions to the franchise.

Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast

Gerard Butler reprises his voice role from the 2010 film, becoming the sole original cast member to return for the live-action version. His casting is confirmed via IMDb Full Cast & Crew.

Nick Frost as Gobber the Belch

Nick Frost joins the franchise as Gobber, a character originally voiced by Craig Ferguson. Frost’s casting is listed in the IMDb Full Cast & Crew.

Gabriel Howell as Snotlout

Gabriel Howell plays Snotlout, replacing Jonah Hill who voiced the character in the animated trilogy. Howell’s casting is confirmed by IMDb Full Cast & Crew.

Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Peter Serafinowicz

The rest of the principal cast includes Julian Dennison as Fishlegs, Bronwyn James as Ruffnut, Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut, and Peter Serafinowicz as Spitelout. All are confirmed through the IMDb Full Cast & Crew listing. Murray McArthur plays Hoark, with further supporting roles filled by Naomi Wirthner (Goth