Mason Thames, Nico Parker, and Gerard Butler lead the cast in Dean DeBlois’ upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, set to hit theaters next year from Universal.
The teaser trailer hints at an exciting new chapter for Hiccup and Toothless in this reimagined version of the beloved story.
Set to release on June 13, 2025, DeBlois’ feature is a shot-for-shot remake of the 2010 DreamWorks Animation film How to Train Your Dragon. Thames stars as Hiccup, with Parker playing Astrid. The ensemble cast also includes Gerard Butler, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, and Murray McArthur.
The live-action film follows Hiccup, a young Viking (played by Thames), who sets out on a mission to hunt dragons, only to unexpectedly form a bond with one he names Toothless. In the trailer, Hiccup tells his father, Stoick the Vast (Butler, reprising his role from the animated series), “Dad, I can’t kill dragons.” Stoick firmly replies, “But you will.”
DeBlois, who has been a key figure in the How to Train Your Dragon franchise since its inception, wrote and directed the film. It is based on the 2010 animated film, which he co-directed with Chris Sanders, itself adapted from Cressida Cowell’s book series. The film is produced by DeBlois, Marc Platt, and Adam Siegel.
The How to Train Your Dragon franchise has earned four Academy Award nominations and grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide. The 2010 animated film was followed by two sequels, with the final installment, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, released in 2019. The franchise also includes five short films and three TV series.
Thames is known for his roles in Universal’s 2022 horror film The Black Phone and Netflix’s recent teen comedy Incoming. Jay Baruchel voiced Hiccup in the original animated films.
