'How to Train Your Dragon' Live-Action Film Casts Its Hiccup abd Astrid, Mason Thames and Nico Parker to Star

by Darian Scalamoni

    We had reported previously in February that Universal was gearing up to follow in Disney's footsteps and begin bringing some of their popular animated franchises to life in live action, starting with How to Train Your Dragon. Now, a few months later, we have official casting for the two lead characters, Hiccup and Astrid.

    According to Justin Kroll of Deadline, Mason Thames (The Black Phone, For All Mankind) and Nico Parker (The Last of Us, Dumbo) will play Hiccup and Astrid, respectively for the live-action reimagining that has a release date of March 14, 2025. 

    The adaptation of the animated franchise aims to captivate new audiences while bringing in fans of the past cartoon versions of the characters. How to Train Your Dragon is a blockbuster series for Dreamworks and Universal, grossing more than $1.6 billion over the three movies. The series follows an improbable friendship formed by a young Viking named Hiccup and his intimidating Night Fury dragon named Toothless, as well as their expeditions together throughout life. The series has earned four Oscar nominations and even won a Golden Globe Award for its second installment. Dean DeBlois, who wrote and directed all three animated films will return to write and direct the live-action version.

    Though Thames and Parker are lesser-known talents, they both have had standout performances in recent years. Thames broke out for his lead role in the horror film, The Black Phone opposite Ethan Hawke's terrifying villain. Additionally, Thames will next star in Boys of Summer with Mel Gibson and the coming-of-age comedy, Incoming. 

    Parker's first role was a major one, starring in Disney's live-action Dumbo directed by Tim Burton. Since then, she's had standout roles in other projects, but none bigger than her role as Sarah Miller, Joel's daughter in HBO's The Last of Us. She captivated audiences in what was a small, but pivotal role in the crux of the whole entire story. She'll next be seen in the indie drama, Suncoast which will be released by Searchlight and also star Woody Harrelson and Laura Linney.