DreamWorks' popular animated film 'How to Train Your Dragon' is now in full-scale production as a live-action film. Production was indefinitely postponed due to the Hollywood strike, but director Dean DeBlois announced that filming will begin mid-month.

The film is based on the first installment of the animated series and will depict Hiccup and Toothless's first encounter. Director Dean DeBlois also directed the animated trilogy.

The protagonist 'Hiccup' is played by Mason Thames, a 2007-born American actor. He first starred in Scott Derrickson's 2021 film 'Black Phone', the director of Doctor Strange (2016). This is his first appearance in a Hollywood blockbuster.

Hiccup attempts to hunt dragons to become a legendary Viking. However, after he crashes a dragon of the 'Night Fury' species, he becomes friends with the dragon. Hiccup's friendship with the Night Fury, named 'Toothless', is a key element throughout the series.

Astrid is played by Nico Parker, a 2004-born actress from England. She recently showcased great chemistry with Pedro Pascal in HBO's successful TV series 'The Last of Us' as 'Ellie'.

In the original film, Astrid seemed to be Hiccup's rival, but eventually develops into his lover. While Hiccup is not particularly talented as a Viking, Astrid is portrayed as a skilled warrior.

Hiccup's father and Viking chieftain Stoick the Vast is played by Gerard Butler. He also voiced the same character in the original animation. You can expect to hear Stoick's distinctive voice in the live-action film as well.

In fact, Gerard Butler's most famous work is '300' (2007), the film that made Zack Snyder famous. He starred in the film as King Leonidas, the main character.

Gobber the Belch, Stoick's best friend and Hiccup's mentor, is played by Nick Frost, who starred in 'Shaun of the Dead' and other films. Like Stoick, he is portrayed as a father figure to Hiccup.

DreamWorks' live-action film 'How to Train Your Dragon' is scheduled to be released on March 14, 2025.