As a seasoned actress with a knack for portraying unconventional characters, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of stepping into the shoes of Tuffnut Thorston in the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon. With my extensive experience in the world of television, from playing Fanny Lambert in Harlots to DC Muriel Yeardsley in Wild Bill, I’m no stranger to embracing roles that push boundaries and demand versatility.
The animated series “How to Train Your Dragon” is highly acclaimed and continues to be a staple in Hollywood, with its initial 2010 fantasy film becoming a box office sensation, earning more than $494 million and receiving a nomination for the Best Animated Feature Oscar. The movie’s tremendous success in both critical and commercial terms paved the way for two highly successful sequels in 2014 and 2019, as well as various television spin-offs and short films. All these efforts have contributed to DreamWorks Animation amassing over $1.6 billion globally.
In February 2023, word got around that a real-life version of How to Train Your Dragon was being made at Universal Pictures, causing both enthusiasm and doubts among loyal followers of the series. The breakout star from The Black Phone, Mason Thames, will play Hiccup, while Gerard Butler is slated to reprise his role as Stoick, just as audiences had hoped. Let’s take a look at how the cast of this live-action adaptation compares to their animated counterparts.
Mason Thames as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III
In the original animated film and trilogy, it was Jay Baruchel who played the role of Hiccup. Now, in the live-action remake, Mason Thames is stepping into that role, portraying the character as a shy yet determined young Viking named Hiccup. Hiccup dreams of being a dragon slayer like his fellow Vikings and defending their village of Berk from fearsome mythical creatures. An unexpected encounter with a Night Fury dragon leads to Hiccup accidentally injuring it, but instead of killing the rare creature, he spares its life and names it Toothless. A deep and significant friendship develops between the 15-year-old Hiccup and the legendary dragon.
Where You’ve Seen Them Before
Thames gained fame for his role alongside Ethan Hawke in the successful and critically acclaimed horror film “The Black Phone,” directed by Scott Derrickson. This performance earned him a Saturn Award nomination for Best Younger Actor and widespread recognition. He will reprise this role in the sequel. Additionally, this promising actor played a young Walker in the crime drama “Walker” and made appearances in the teen comedy “Incoming” and the independent horror film “Monster Summer.
Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast
As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be stepping back into the shoes of a character close to my heart – Stoick the Vast, the revered chieftain from the cherished animated trilogy. In this new chapter, I will reprise my role as Hiccup’s father and the fearless leader of Berk, a village that looks up to me for my unyielding courage.
Where You’ve Seen Them Before
Butler is no stranger to the big screen, having starred in a slew of unforgettable films like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life and The Phantom of the Opera before skyrocketing to superstardom in the epic fantasy film 300, in which he iconically portrayed King Leonidas. Butler would emerge as both a bona fide action superstar and go-to rom-com leading man, notably appearing in hits including P.S. I Love You, The Ugly Truth, and The Bounty Hunter and in adrenaline-pumping movies like Olympus Has Fallen and its subsequent sequels as well as Den of Thieves, Greenland, and Plane.
Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson
In the acclaimed franchise, Hiccup’s dragon training comrade and future love interest, Astrid Hofferson, was originally voiced by America Ferrera. However, Nico Parker steps into the role for the much-anticipated live-action adaptation, portraying Astrid as a strong and competent character. As the story unfolds, Astrid uncovers Hiccup’s hidden truth and his extraordinary bond with Toothless, eventually standing by him as a trusted friend and ally once the secret is finally exposed.
Where You’ve Seen Them Before
The young starlet first appeared in a lead role in Tim Burton’s film “Dumbo,” playing Milly Farrier, alongside Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, and Danny DeVito. She subsequently garnered more attention with her portrayal of Sarah Miller in the critically acclaimed apocalyptic series “The Last of Us.” Additionally, she has taken on roles in various productions such as “The Third Day,” “Reminiscence,” and “Suncoast,” earning her the Breakthrough Performance Award at the Sundance Film Festival.
Nick Frost as Gobber the Belch
Remarkable performer, humorist, and author Nick Frost has been cast in the role of Gobber the Belch, a skilled blacksmith who’s close friends with Stoick and instructs the tribe’s young dragon trainees, including Hiccup. Previously voiced by Craig Ferguson, Gobber is a highly esteemed warrior from the Hairy Hooligan Tribe, offering sage advice and assistance to Hiccup during his rigorous training and thrilling adventures.
Where You’ve Seen Them Before
Known for his humorously iconic work alongside friend and regular partner Simon Pegg, Frost is best recognized for co-writing and acting in the hilarious trilogy of comedies by Edgar Wright, collectively named the Three Flavors Cornetto, which included audience favorites like Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End. The comedian also made significant appearances in Paul, The Boxtrolls, and Fighting with My Family, and played roles on television as Bajie in Into the Badlands, Bertram in Why Women Kill,
Julian Dennison as Fishlegs Ingerman
Fishlegs Ingerman is a devoted best friend and affectionate companion to the main character Hiccup, who is equally earnest and full of enthusiasm and boasts extensive knowledge about dragon lore. Julian Dennison steps into the shoes of the character previously voiced by Christopher Mintz-Plasse. He might seem shy and cautious about bending rules, but he’s swift to assist Hiccup and remains his steadfast sidekick.
Where You’ve Seen Them Before
Dennison received the English Film and Television Award for Best Supporting Actor due to his stunning performance in the coming-of-age drama “Shopping”. Following that, he appeared in Taika Waititi’s hit film “The Hunt for the Wilderpeople”, which remains New Zealand’s highest-grossing movie. Dennison has also starred in movies such as “Deadpool 2,” “The Christmas Chronicles 2,” and “Godzilla vs. Kong”. His latest project is a disaster comedy called “Y2K“.
Gabriel Howell as Snotlout Jorgenson
Snotlout Jorgenson, Hiccup’s boastful and occasionally foolish counterpart, is another student in the dragon-training class. Known for his arrogance, he frequently presents himself as the greatest Rider ever. This self-centered Viking consistently attempts to win over Ruffnut Thorston, a fellow villager, even though her lack of interest towards him is apparent. His rivalries quickly escalate with Fishlegs, another suitor, leading to frequent disagreements.
Where You’ve Seen Them Before
Jonah Hill is handing over the role of Snotlout to Gabriel Howell, who has already made a name for himself in films like the nostalgic comedy-drama “The Fence” and the fittingly titled short film “Sketching Dragons.” Howell has also gained significant recognition on television, playing Elias in the critically acclaimed Netflix miniseries “Bodies” and Tobi McKnight in the BBC One crime thriller miniseries “Nightsleeper.
Bronwyn James as Ruffnut Thorston
Member of the Hairy Hooligan Tribe named Ruffnot Thorston is the brother of Tuffnut, and they frequently quarrel and engage in friendly sparring, despite their deep affection and respect for each other. Known for her rebellious nature and love for adrenaline rushes, Ruffnot doesn’t shy away from exhibiting an unconventional, mischievous side to achieve her goals. She often finds herself dealing with the romantic rivalry between Fishlegs and Snotlout.
Where You’ve Seen Them Before
Previously known for her stint on Saturday Night Live, Kristen Wiig played a spirited character in the animated series, while British actress Bronwyn James took on the headstrong role in its live-action adaptation. Initially gaining recognition on television through her portrayal of Fanny Lambert in Harlots and as DC Muriel Yeardsley in Wild Bill, James has also been seen on Outlander, Ghosts, and Masters of the Air. Furthermore, she is currently playing ShenShen in the fantasy musical Wicked.
Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut Thorston
Ruffnut Thorston’s twin brother, Tuffnot, exhibits a bold and unpredictable personality, with an inclination towards explosive situations and rule-breaking to attain his objectives or wishes. His actions frequently escalate danger levels due to his reckless and fearless demeanor. Loyal to the hilt, he stands by Ruffnut’s side through thick and thin, even if they feel like choking each other every now and then; T.J. Miller once lent his voice to Tuffnot in earlier appearances.
Where You’ve Seen Them Before
Similar to Bronwyn James on screen, Harry Trevaldwyn made a name for himself on television and displayed his comedic talent in popular British shows such as “Ten Percent”, “Smothered”, and “The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin”. He also graced the small screen in the Disney+ original series “The Acolyte. Trevaldwyn was part of Judd Apatow’s ensemble cast for Netflix’s comedy “The Bubble”, where he acted alongside stars like Pedro Pascal, Karen Gillan, and Keegan Michael-Key.
Ruth Codd as Phlegma
In the realm we share, one valiant resident of Berk known as Phlegma the Brave is not only a fellow villager but also a member of the Harry Hooligans. This stalwart warrior has been deeply involved in dragon raids and bravely fought alongside Stoick following the awakening of the Red Death. Known for his bravery and kindness, Phlegma progresses to assume a more significant role within the series and eventually becomes the School of Dragons’ Botanist, imparting knowledge about the world’s enchanting flora to the Vikings.
Where You’ve Seen Them Before
In the adaptation, Ruth Codd steps into Ashley Jensen’s role as the captivating character. Before the pandemic, Codd was a barber and professional makeup artist, but she gained attention on TikTok after posting videos. The Netflix casting team found her for ‘The Midnight Club’, where she portrayed Anya. Later, she collaborated with Mike Flanagan again to play Juno Usher in his critically-praised horror miniseries ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’.
How to Train Your Dragon soars into theaters on June 13, 2025.
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2024-11-23 23:36