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Mason Thames experienced a defining moment in his career when he first time he stepped into the role of Hiccup for the live-action adaptation of 'How to Train Your Dragon'. Now 18, the young actor described the experience as deeply emotional during a recent interview tied to the film’s home release.
Thames recalled feeling overwhelmed when he first saw himself in full costume. Looking in the mirror, fully transformed into Hiccup, felt surreal — a moment that made his childhood dream suddenly very real. The gravity of the role truly struck him on the first day on set when director Dean DeBlois approached him and emphasised the lasting impact this project would have on his life.
While Mason Thames admitted he initially felt significant pressure taking on such an iconic character, those nerves were gradually replaced by excitement. Over time, the set became a place of comfort and creativity, allowing him to fully immerse himself in the character and enjoy the process.
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Image Courtesy: IMDb
The Co-stars Praise Mason Thames
Co-star Nico Parker, who plays the fearless Astrid, expressed admiration for Thames’s performance throughout the production. She highlighted how impressive it was to watch him lead the set with confidence at just 16 years old, especially considering the scale of the project and the legacy of the franchise. According to Parker, the cast and crew were consistently amazed by his maturity and talent.
The live-action remake, which premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, is now available on digital platforms. Fans can enjoy over 75 minutes of exclusive bonus content, including deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, a gag reel, and a deep dive into the visual effects and character design of the film’s richly imagined world.
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Image Courtesy: IMDb
The Impact of the Movie on Mason Thames
Mason Thames has shared that the 'How to Train Your Dragon' series held a special place in his heart while growing up. He shared that Hiccup had been a personal hero, and he deeply related to the character’s journey. Just as Hiccup struggled to find his place in a world that didn’t fully understand him, Mason Thames found similarities in his path as an actor. He explained that, much like Hiccup, his breakthrough came when he embraced what made him different.
In the film, Hiccup is the unlikely hero and underdog son of Viking chief Stoick the Vast, played by Gerard Butler. Living in a society where dragons are seen as enemies, Hiccup challenges tradition by forming a friendship with a Night Fury dragon named Toothless. Their friendship reshapes the way Vikings see dragons, redefining true courage and leadership along the way.
