Mason Thames Opens Up About Hiccup’s Journey In How To Train Your Dragon: “That’s Who I Want to Be”

National 23rd May, 2025: The beloved How to Train Your Dragon franchise from Universal Pictures (distributed by Warner Bros. Discovery) is set to return - bigger, bolder, and more breathtaking than ever before. Known for its heartfelt storytelling, stunning visuals, and the iconic bond between Hiccup and Toothless, the saga is ready to take flight in an all-new live-action format. Directed by three-time Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean DeBlois, the upcoming film on 13th June will reimagine the magic of the original series for a whole new generation. Leading the cast are Mason Thames as Hiccup and BAFTA nominee Nico Parker as Astrid, with Gerard Butler making a powerful return as Stoick the Vast. They'll be joined by a stellar ensemble including Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, and Murray McArthur.

The story unfolds in the Viking village of Berk, where dragons are feared enemies and slaying them is a rite of passage. But for Hiccup, the intelligent yet awkward son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler), fitting into a world of fierce warriors has always been a challenge. Everything changes when he injures a legendary Night Fury-only to discover he can't bring himself to kill it. That single act of mercy sparks an extraordinary bond between Hiccup and the dragon he names Toothless. As their friendship deepens, they uncover a truth that could reshape the future of both dragons and Vikings. Caught between the expectations of his tribe and the path he knows is right, Hiccup must find the courage to lead with empathy, not fear-and show that true strength lies in understanding.

Talking about stepping into the role of Hiccup and exploring the character's inner journey, Mason Thames shares insightful thoughts on the young Viking's aspirations and identity struggle."Hiccup is such an ambitious kid," Thames says. "He looks at all the Vikings and thinks, 'That's who I want to be.' But no matter how hard he tries, he's not like them. Especially with his dad as the leader of the village, he feels like there's so much to live up to. When he finally embraces what makes him different, that's when his story truly comes alive."

With its rich legacy and timeless themes of courage, identity, and friendship, How to Train Your Dragon continues to inspire audiences around the world. The upcoming live-action adaptation releasing on 13th June, promises to deliver the same emotional depth and thrilling adventure that made the original franchise a global phenomenon-now brought to life with new energy and cinematic scale.

"Soar Back into the World of Dragons: The Epic Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon Arrives in Theatres 13th June 2025!"