Honestly, the moment Universal announced a live-action reimagining of How to Train Your Dragon, the internet basically went into a tailspin. People were worried about Toothless looking like a weird CGI sleep paralysis demon. They were stressed about the "Disney-fying" of Viking culture. But once the dust settled on the big casting reveals, a specific corner of the fandom started buzzing about one duo in particular: the Thorston twins.
The HTTYD live action twins are officially here, and they aren’t exactly what the "purists" expected.
If you grew up watching the animated trilogy, you probably remember Ruffnut and Tuffnut as the chaotic, head-butting, slightly unhygienic comic relief voiced by Kristen Wiig and T.J. Miller. They were lean, mean, and had that specific "animated" symmetry. But for the 2025 live-action movie directed by Dean DeBlois, things have shifted. We’re moving away from caricature and into something a bit more... textured.
Who is playing the Thorston twins?
Let's talk names. The search for the perfect live-action Ruffnut and Tuffnut ended with two rising stars from the British comedy and drama scene.
Bronwyn James takes on the role of Ruffnut. You might recognize her from Lockwood & Co. or The Dig. She’s got this incredible range that balances grit with a very specific, dry comedic timing. Then we have Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut. If you’ve spent any time on British "Side-of-TikTok" or watched The Acolyte, you know Harry is a master of the awkward, high-energy persona.
On paper? It’s a match made in Valhalla. In practice, it’s sparked a lot of debate about character design.
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Why the HTTYD live action twins look so different
One of the biggest "controversies"—if you can even call it that—is that Bronwyn and Harry don't look like carbon copies of each other. In the 2010 original, the twins were almost identical in silhouette.
In the live-action version, they look like real siblings. They aren't clones.
Social media sleuths pointed out early on that Bronwyn's Ruffnut has a slightly different vibe—red hair and a more grounded, sturdy Viking build compared to Tuffnut’s lankier frame. There’s a rumor floating around (and hinted at in production circles) that the movie actually leans into this. Apparently, there’s a running gag where Ruffnut and Tuffnut think they look exactly alike, while everyone else in Berk just stares at them in total confusion.
It’s a smart pivot. Trying to find two actors who look identical while also possessing the specific comedic chops needed for these roles is a nightmare. By leaning into the "non-identical" aspect, the film adds a layer of character-driven humor that the animation couldn't really touch.
Aging up the chaos
There was some initial noise about the ages of the cast. Bronwyn James is in her late 20s, and Harry Trevaldwyn is in his early 30s. Compare that to Mason Thames (Hiccup) and Nico Parker (Astrid), who are significantly younger.
Why the gap?
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Simple: narrative history. In this version, the Thorston twins have reportedly "failed" dragon training multiple times. They aren't the fresh-faced recruits that Hiccup is. They’re the kids who have been held or stayed back—the chaotic veterans of the dragon-fighting pits who just can't seem to get it right. It adds a hilarious "seniority" to their incompetence.
Dean DeBlois, who directed the original animated films, is back in the captain's chair for this one. He’s been vocal about "enriching" the characters. For the twins, that means more than just hitting each other with rocks. It means exploring their weird brand of loyalty.
The dynamic: Sibling rivalry or sibling revelry?
The heart of the HTTYD live action twins has to be their chemistry. If they don't feel like they've spent fifteen years sharing a single brain cell, the whole thing falls apart.
During the Belfast shoot (where a lot of the movie was filmed to get those rugged, mossy Northern Ireland landscapes), reports surfaced about Harry and Bronwyn’s onset antics. They apparently brought a level of improv that kept the crew on their toes.
- Ruffnut's New Arc: She's reportedly more protective of Astrid in this version. There's a "girls stick together" energy that contrasts with her constant bickering with Tuffnut.
- Tuffnut's Jokes: Expect the humor to be a bit more verbal and witty, thanks to Trevaldwyn’s background, rather than just slapstick.
- The Dragon Factor: Watching two actual humans try to ride a Hideous Zippleback (Barf and Belch) is going to be a VFX marvel—or a hilarious disaster for the characters involved.
What this means for the movie's tone
This isn't a shot-for-shot remake. If you wanted that, you’d just watch the 2010 DVD again.
The inclusion of actors like Nick Frost (Gobber) and Julian Dennison (Fishlegs) alongside Bronwyn and Harry suggests a much heavier leaning into the "ensemble comedy" aspect of the Viking world. It’s going to be muddier. It’s going to be louder.
But will it be as heartfelt?
DeBlois has a track record of making us cry over lizards, so the emotional stakes are probably safe. The twins provide the necessary levity to keep the movie from becoming Game of Thrones for kids. They represent the "old Berk"—the stubborn, loud, slightly ridiculous culture that Hiccup is trying to change.
Actionable steps for fans
If you're looking to keep up with the HTTYD live action twins as we head toward the June 2025 release, here's the best way to stay informed:
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- Follow the Cast on Socials: Harry Trevaldwyn is particularly active and often shares "behind the scenes" energy that gives away more than the official trailers do.
- Watch the "Wicked" Press Tour: Bronwyn James is also in the Wicked movie. Interviews for that often contain "Dragon" tidbits that the studios haven't officially cleared yet.
- Check the IMAX Schedules: This film was shot specifically for IMAX. If you want to see the scale of the Zippleback (and the twins' inevitable screaming faces), that's the screen you want.
The Thorston twins were never meant to be the "cool" characters. They were the weird ones. By casting two distinct, talented comedic actors who don't fit a generic "twin" mold, the live-action movie is doubling down on that weirdness. It’s a risky move, but in a world of boring, sanitized remakes, a little bit of chaotic Viking energy might be exactly what we need.
Check your local theater listings for June 13, 2025, to see how the Thorston legacy translates to the real world.