Hello there, citizens of the Isle of Berk! As we bid goodbye to Jay Baruchel’s Hiccup and America Ferrera’s Astrid, it’s time to soar high because some exciting news has just arrived from the mainland: Universal Pictures has found its live-action Hiccup and Astrid.
So, who’s stepping into the roles of our beloved childhood not-so-close friends turned lovers? It’s Mason Thames and Nico Parker.
Thames, who made quite an impression in the horror flick, The Black Phone, will step into the role of Hiccup, the young son of the Viking chief who dared to befriend Toothless, a one-of-a-kind dragon, and change the course of Berk’s history. He’ll be acting opposite Parker, who recently impressed viewers in HBO’s The Last of Us as Sarah Miller, AKA the reason why Joel Miller became the internet’s favourite Zaddy earlier this year.
Given that both have been able to showcase their acting range in previous roles, there’s little doubt that they can bring the same fire and heart to Hiccup and Astrid that made them such memorable characters in the animated films.
The transition from animation to live-action is tricky if impossible to pull off successfully. Thankfully, Dead DeBlois, the main guiding force behind the animated trilogy, is on board to steer this remake into relevancy.
It’s a reassuring bit of continuity that guarantees the live-action version will try its best to retain the charm and magic of the original trilogy.
The said films are based on Cressida Cowell’s beloved book series and told, through three films as well as multiple spin-offs, a moving story of friendship, courage, and acceptance. The films were a huge critical and commercial hit, pulling in over $1.6 billion collectively at the global box office.
Now, this live-action adaptation will have a chance to recreate the special bond between Hiccup and Toothless.
With a release date set for March 14, 2015, there’s plenty of time to talk about how Thanes and Parker will bring Hiccup and Astrid to life. More importantly, we’re eagerly waiting for more news about who will round out the cast, especially Hiccup’s father, Stoick the Vast, who was voiced by Gerard Butler.
So, Dragon Trainers, stay tuned! In the meantime, let’s raise our helmets in a Viking salute to the newest generation of dragon riders!
