Cast of the Live-Action Film “How To Train Your Dragon” is Expanded

The live-action version of DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon, slated for release by Universal Pictures, stars Julian Dennison (A24’s upcoming Y2K, Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Nightsleeper, Bodies), Bronwyn James (Wicked, Masters of the Air), and Harry Trevaldwyn (The Bubble, Ten Percent) as Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut.

They work with Dean DeBlois, the director, writer, and producer of the first How to Train Your Dragon, who is also joining Mason Thames and Nico Parker in the role of Hiccup and Astrid, respectively.

Nick Frost is joining the franchise as Gobber the Belch, and Gerard Butler will return to his role as Stoick the Vast.

Best Picture three times Oscar nominee Marc Platt (La La Land, Bridge of Spies, Trial of the Chicago 7) and Adam Siegel, President of Marc Platt Productions, will produce for their Universal-based company.

The pic hits theaters on June 13, 2025.

Dennison just wrapped a lead role in the A24 film Y2K, directed by Jonah Hill and starring Jaeden Martell and Rachel Zegler. The film is set to release in theatres this year. In September, he made his TIFF debut with Minnie Driver and Rhys Darby in the festival film Uproar. The actor played opposite Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn as the antagonist in Christopher Columbus’ Christmas Chronicles 2, as well as the lead in the Legendary/Warner Bros. film Godzilla Vs. Kong. Dennison previously portrayed “Firefist” in Fox’s Deadpool 2.

This spring, Howell can be seen on BBC’s Nightsleeper. The actor starred in two films in 2022, The Fence, and the Netflix series Bodies. Howell is a Royal Academy of Dramatic Art graduate who has performed in a number of plays, including The Seagull (RADA), Burying Your Brother in the Pavement (The Alma), and The Unfriend (West End & Chichester Festival Theatre).

James’ upcoming roles include that of “Shen Shen” in the feature film adaptation of Wicked, starring opposite Ariana Grande, and “Mickey17,” helmed by Bong Joon Ho. Additional recent credits include the film The Palace by Roman Polanski and the Apple series Masters of the Air by Cary Fukanaga. Other credits include a main part in Simon Bird’s new comedy Sandylands, Intergalactic for Sky, and The Dig starring Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes.

Trevaldwyn is a comedian, writer, and actor who rose to fame in Judd Apatow’s Ten Percent (Amazon Prime Video and BBC America) and The Bubble (Netflix). In the independent film Sweet Sue, which debuted in UK theatres recently, he portrayed the lead character. He may be seen in the third season of The Outlaws on BBC One and Amazon Prime Video, as well as My Lady Jane on Amazon Prime Video. Additional credits include Smothered for Sky Max in the UK and The King on Netflix.