Hiccup and Toothless are making a grand return in a big way. Mason Thames takes on the role of a young Viking who shares a heartwarming bond with an adorable dragon in the first teaser trailer for the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, which premiered on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
Joining him is Nico Parker, portraying the courageous Astrid, Hiccup’s determined love interest. The cast also features Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast, the leader of Berk and Hiccup’s estranged father, along with Nick Frost as Gobber, Hiccup’s eccentric mentor.
Other notable actors in the ensemble include Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, and Murray McArthur.
The first look also coincides with Universal’s revealing How to Train Your Dragon Land at Epic Universe, featuring a thrilling new coaster and immersive Viking adventures.
Mason Thames stars as Hiccup alongside his faithful Night Fury dragon, Toothless, in this live-action reimagining of the beloved story.
The official synopsis teases: “Set on the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been sworn enemies for generations, Hiccup is a visionary who stands apart.
As the inventive but often overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast, Hiccup challenges centuries of tradition when he forms an unlikely bond with Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon.
Their remarkable friendship uncovers the true nature of dragons, shaking the very foundations of Viking society.”
The story deepens as Hiccup, joined by the spirited Astrid and the quirky blacksmith Gobber, confronts a world fraught with fear and misunderstanding.
The synopsis further hints at the arrival of an “ancient threat,” making Hiccup and Toothless’s bond pivotal in shaping a new future.
Director Dean DeBlois on set with Gabriel Howell and Nico Parker during the filming of How to Train Your Dragon.
Dean DeBlois, who directed the animated How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, returns to helm the live-action adaptation.
The original trilogy, inspired by Cressida Cowell’s bestselling book series, was released in 2010, 2014, and 2019, with each installment earning an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature.
In an interview, DeBlois shared insights into the live-action adaptation, describing it as more intense and emotionally charged.
“It’s so dialed up in terms of stakes — having a fully credible, photo-real dragon stomping around trying to kill him,” he explained. How to Train Your Dragon will soar into theaters on June 13.
