In the animated adventure film "How to Train Your Dragon," audiences are introduced to Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a young Viking played by Jay Baruchel. As the son of Stoick the Vast, the formidable leader of their clan, Hiccup stands at a crossroads between childhood and adulthood. The tradition in his village dictates that, in order to earn his place among the fierce warriors of his community, he must kill a dragon, a rite of passage that all young Vikings are expected to complete. However, Hiccup is not like the other Vikings; he is imaginative, timid, and somewhat awkward, often feeling overshadowed by the expectations placed upon him by his father and peers. As he grapples with this daunting challenge, the pressure to conform to the Viking ideal weighs heavily on him.
During a fateful encounter, Hiccup manages to capture a Night Fury, the most feared dragon of all. Instead of following through with the gruesome task of dispatching the creature, he finds himself mesmerized by its beauty and grace. Naming the dragon Toothless due to his absent teeth, Hiccup begins to explore a groundbreaking connection that defies the longstanding animosity between Vikings and dragons. This decision marks a significant turning point in Hiccup's life, prompting him to question the beliefs ingrained in him by his culture and the expectations tied to his heritage. Hiccup and Toothless forge a profound bond, discovering that they can learn from each other and share experiences, which leads to thrilling adventures and unforeseen challenges that will test both their courage and their friendship.
As the story unfolds, Stoick, voiced by Gerard Butler, struggles to understand his son’s unconventional path. His fear for Hiccup's safety and his deep-rooted belief in dragon hostility clash with Hiccup's newfound understanding of these creatures as sentient beings deserving respect and compassion. This dynamic not only drives the narrative forward but also allows for a deeper exploration of themes like acceptance, bravery, and the importance of viewing the world through different perspectives. Ultimately, "How to Train Your Dragon" transcends the typical hero's journey, portraying a heartwarming tale about the power of empathy and friendship that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Full Cast of How to Train Your Dragon
Jay Baruchel
Hiccup (voice)
Jay Baruchel's voice performance as Hiccup in "How to Train Your Dragon" is nothing short of remarkable, as he breathes life into the character with a nuanced blend of vulnerability, wit, and an endearing earnestness. From the moment Hiccup begins narrating his journey, Baruchel's distinct vocal inflections and rhythm capture the essence of an unconventional Viking teenager who is more brains than brawn. His evolution from a misfit to a confident dragon rider is portrayed with a delicate touch, allowing audiences to fully invest in Hiccup's emotional growth. Baruchel's delivery of Hiccup's humorous asides and heartfelt moments underscores the film's themes of friendship, acceptance, and the challenge of forging one's own path. His chemistry with the other voice actors, particularly with Gerard Butler who voices his father Stoick the Vast, adds a layer of depth to the father-son dynamic that is central to the narrative. Baruchel's performance resonates with viewers of all ages, making Hiccup an iconic and beloved character in animated film history.
Gerard Butler
Stoick (voice)
Gerard Butler delivered a commanding and emotionally resonant performance as Stoick the Vast in the animated film "How to Train Your Dragon." His deep, sonorous voice breathed life into the character, imbuing Stoick with a sense of gravitas and authority befitting the chieftain of the Viking tribe in Berk. Butler brilliantly balanced Stoick's tough exterior and fierce loyalty to his people with a underlying warmth and vulnerability, particularly in his interactions with his son, Hiccup. His performance was pivotal in portraying the internal conflict of a leader whose traditions are challenged and the eventual softening of his character as he learns to embrace change and understanding. Butler's vocal work was instrumental in making Stoick a memorable and beloved character, whose growth mirrors the film's overarching themes of acceptance and the bonds that bring people—or in this case, Vikings and dragons—together.
Craig Ferguson
Gobber (voice)
Craig Ferguson delivered a memorable performance as the voice of Gobber in the critically acclaimed animated film "How to Train Your Dragon." His character, a burly Viking blacksmith with a heart of gold, serves as both a mentor and a comic relief, providing the film with a rich blend of wisdom and humor. Ferguson's distinctive Scottish brogue and impeccable comedic timing brought depth and warmth to Gobber, making him one of the most endearing and quotable characters in the franchise. His portrayal of Gobber's tough exterior, coupled with his unexpectedly tender moments, added a layer of complexity that resonated with audiences of all ages. Ferguson's voice work was integral in fleshing out a character that embodied the film's themes of bravery, acceptance, and the bonds of friendship, contributing significantly to the movie's enduring success and the lasting affection fans have for the world of Berk and its quirky inhabitants.
America Ferrera
Astrid (voice)
America Ferrera delivers a vibrant and empowering voice performance as Astrid in the critically acclaimed animated film "How to Train Your Dragon." As the skilled and determined Viking teenager, Ferrera brings a sense of strength and complexity to the character, expertly conveying Astrid's fierce loyalty and indomitable spirit. Her vocal work captures the nuanced layers of Astrid's personality, from her initial skepticism towards Hiccup's unconventional methods to her eventual role as a steadfast ally and love interest. Ferrera's performance is pivotal in illustrating Astrid's growth throughout the film, highlighting her transition from a competitive dragon hunter to a compassionate dragon rider who values understanding and empathy over brute force. Her voice acting is both compelling and authentic, which, when combined with the richly animated character, creates a memorable and inspiring portrayal that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Jonah Hill
Snotlout (voice)
Jonah Hill delivered a memorable performance as Snotlout in the animated film "How to Train Your Dragon," bringing a boisterous and humorous energy to the boastful Viking teenager. His voice work added a distinct layer of personality to the character, infusing Snotlout with a blend of arrogance and charm that made him both endearing and comical. Hill's comedic timing and his ability to convey Snotlout's bravado and occasional insecurities played a significant role in endearing the character to audiences. His interactions with the other characters, particularly his friendly rivalry with the protagonist, Hiccup, contributed to the film's rich tapestry of relationships and added depth to the world of Berk. Jonah Hill's performance as Snotlout was a testament to his versatility as an actor, showcasing his ability to excel in both live-action and voice-over roles, and it helped elevate "How to Train Your Dragon" into a beloved animated classic.
Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Fishlegs (voice)
Christopher Mintz-Plasse delivers a memorable performance as the voice of Fishlegs Ingerman in the animated film "How to Train Your Dragon." His character, initially depicted as a bookish, somewhat timid Viking boy, comes to life through Mintz-Plasse's nuanced vocal work, which balances wit, anxiety, and an endearing earnestness. Fishlegs' transformation from a dragon-fearing scholar to a brave and knowledgeable dragon rider is made believable and heartwarming thanks to Mintz-Plasse's ability to convey a wide range of emotions. His interactions with the Night Fury dragon, Toothless, and the other dragon riders showcase his comedic timing and his capacity for expressing genuine friendship and loyalty. Christopher's voice acting not only adds depth to the character of Fishlegs but also contributes significantly to the film's adventurous spirit and its themes of acceptance, bravery, and the bonds of camaraderie.
T.J. Miller
Tuffnut (voice)
Todd Joseph "T.J." Miller (born June 4, 1981) is an American actor and stand-up comedian. After college, Miller...
Kristen Wiig
Ruffnut (voice)
Kristen Carroll Wiig (born August 22, 1973) is an American actress, voice actress, writer, producer, and comedian....
Robin Atkin Downes
Ack (voice)
Born in London, England, Robin Atkin Downes is an English actor who is one of the most prolific voice-over actors in...
Crew of How to Train Your Dragon
Full backstage crew list →