One Clip From ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Live-action Trailer Could Make Fans Forgive Nico Parker’s Astrid Casting
- Gerard Butler’s return as Stoick the Vast in the live-action 'How to Train Your Dragon' has been positively received.
- The trailer shows Butler’s impactful portrayal of Stoick and hints at his complex dynamic with Hiccup.
- Nico Parker’s casting as Astrid Hofferson has sparked controversy for deviating from the character’s original looks.
Movie adaptations are often subjected to the high-stakes probability of what fans might want or what filmmakers want to give them. Taking favorite animated movies and making real-life remakes is even more sensitive than a dragon guarding its treasure. The new live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon is currently walking this fine line of fan approval.
A film’s cast can either make or break a movie, particularly when people have been aware of the source material for years. Universal Pictures is currently stepping into this minefield of criticism with characters like Hiccup and Toothless. However, one casting seems to run in favor of the movie so far.
Gerard Butler Will Appear as Stoick the Vast in How to Train Your Dragon
How to Train Your Dragon is about a young Viking Hiccup, who challenges his centuries-old dragon-fighting practices by going against the tradition and instead befriends a dragon named Toothless.
The movie is a reimagination of the animated movies. Gerard Butler who voiced the character in animated movies, is returning to play Stoick the Vast. This casting decision might have just diverted attention from the controversial casting of Nico Parker as Astrid.
Butler’s return to the franchise has been received positively by fans online. His powerful voice and screen presence make him the ideal Viking chief. In the trailer, they showed Butler standing in front of a Viking ship with his axe, which sums up the character of Stoick.
Ah… Gerard Butler is a perfect casting for Hiccup's father. Can't wait to see the live action 'How to Train Your Dragon'. 😎💪🏾😅 pic.twitter.com/Asdx6qXz1I
— January 27 🤗❤️ (@mpiredivine) November 20, 2024
That's about as close to the original as you can get.
— OurMovieGuide (@OurMovieGuide) November 20, 2024
This looks so good. He’s huge he’s hairy and he’s STOIK
— 🔥 King B 🔥 (@BrandonB3062) November 21, 2024
He's going to nail that role
— Daniel Raz | Easy Fat Loss at Home (@DanielRaz_Fit) November 20, 2024
Gerard looks great as Hiccup father.
— Vina Verde 🎙️🎧🎸 (@vinaverdemusic) November 21, 2024
It seems like Butler has already prepared himself for the role of Hiccup’s father in his previous projects. His performances in 300 to Has Fallen franchise are some examples. His age is perfect for the character, which makes his return seem both nostalgic and authentic.
The trailer also showed some scenes of Butler’s character which hinted how impactful he will be. The way Stoick initially resisted Hiccup’s idea of befriending the dragon gives fans hope that he won’t be just another one-dimensional character.
The Controversial Casting of Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson
The rest of the characters include Mason Thames, who plays Hiccup, and Nick Frost, who plays Gobber the Belch. However, fans of the original animated franchise didn’t like Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson, not because of her performance though.
The biracial British actress has been negatively received mostly for playing the traditionally white Viking character. Some fans insisted on getting back to the roots of the character, who is from Scandinavia. The trailer showed her character with braided dark hair, which only worsened these discussions.
doesn't look like the original at all
— 𝗔𝗻𝗼𝗻𝘆𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘀𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟬 (@samiofour) November 20, 2024
Tbh whatever at this point, but, no, she doesn't look Scandinavian at all lmfao
— 🏴☠️⨺Karina Morningstar⨺💙💛 (@MoonwalkerKari) November 20, 2024
The studio was probably aware of the reactions it could cause given the fanaticism of the animated movie franchise. With the choice of Parker for the cast, they might have intended to bring some diversity to the franchise.
But some fans continue to believe in the idea and this movie. Although there is some outrage regarding the choices made in the casting process, the dedication to the story, and the talent of actors could possibly cover them. Only time will tell if the movie will live up to the expectations of the hardcore fans.
How to Train Your Dragon will be released on 13 June 2025.
How to Train Your Dragon animation movies are available to stream on Prime Video.
