‘The Black Phone’ and ‘The Last of Us’ actors will portray franchise romantic leads Hiccup and Astrid in the Universal Pictures adaptation, set to release March 14, 2025.
Mason Thames (The Black Phone) and Nico Parker (The Last of Us) have joined Universal Pictures’ upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon as romantic leads Hiccup and Astrid, respectively. No further casting details have been revealed, but the movie will begin filming this summer.
Based on the best-selling book series by Cressida Cowell, the first animated movie, How to Train Your Dragon, premiered in 2010. The franchise boasts four Academy Award nominations and a Golden Globe Award for the second filmed chapter. Award-winning filmmaker Dean DeBlois, who helmed the DreamWorks Animation franchise’s three hit features, returns to write, direct, and produce the live-action project.
Oscar nominee Marc Platt (La La Land, Bridge of Spies, Trial Of The Chicago 7) is on board to produce for his Universal-based Marc Platt Productions alongside Adam Siegel, President of Marc Platt Productions. Platt is currently in production on Universal Pictures' film adaptation of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Grammy winner Ariana Grande and Academy Award nominee and Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner Cynthia Erivo.
Lexi Barta will oversee production development on behalf of Universal. DeBlois is represented by WME and Lichter Grossman Nichols Adler Feldman & Clark.
How to Train Your Dragon is set to fly into theaters March 14, 2025.
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
