It’s actually kinda wild when you think about it. For over a decade, the voice of a skinny, sarcastic Viking became the emotional heartbeat of one of the biggest animation franchises in history. If you've ever found yourself tearing up at a dragon flying into the sunset, you're likely thinking of Jay Baruchel. He’s the guy who plays Hiccup in How to Train Your Dragon, and honestly, his voice is so distinct that it’s almost impossible to imagine anyone else in the role. But things are changing. With a live-action reboot on the horizon, the answer to who plays this character is getting a bit more crowded.
Jay Baruchel didn't just read lines; he basically built Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III from the ground up. Before the first movie dropped in 2010, DreamWorks wasn't entirely sure if audiences would connect with a protagonist who sounded... well, like a nerdy Canadian guy. It worked. It worked so well that Baruchel stayed with the character through three feature films, several short films, and the Race to the Edge television series. Most actors bail when a franchise moves to TV. Jay didn't. He stuck it out because he genuinely loved the kid.
The Voice That Defined a Generation: Jay Baruchel
Jay Baruchel is the definitive Hiccup. Period.
His voice has this specific, nasal quality that perfectly captured the "misfit" energy of the early films. When we first meet Hiccup in the original 2010 movie, he’s a disaster. He’s the son of Stoick the Vast, yet he can barely lift a hammer. Baruchel played that insecurity with a mix of dry wit and genuine pathos. It wasn't just about being funny. It was about that shaky breath when Hiccup realizes he can't kill a Night Fury.
Interestingly, Baruchel has mentioned in interviews that he felt a deep kinship with the character's status as an outsider. He wasn't the typical Hollywood leading man type. He was the guy from Knocked Up and Tropic Thunder. Bringing that "everyman" energy to Berk made the stakes feel real. When Hiccup loses his leg at the end of the first film—a pretty bold move for a kids' movie—Baruchel’s performance shifted. He allowed the character to grow up.
By How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, Hiccup is a man. He’s a leader. He’s a husband. The voice is deeper, more confident, but it still has that core of kindness. That’s the magic of what Jay did. He aged the voice in real-time. It’s a rare feat in animation where characters often stay frozen in amber for twenty years.
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The New Era: Who Plays Hiccup in the Live-Action Movie?
Change is coming, whether fans are ready or not. Universal and DreamWorks decided to go the Disney route by producing a live-action adaptation of the first book/movie. This meant casting a real, breathing human to step into Baruchel’s very large (and prosthetic) shoes.
Mason Thames is the actor taking over the mantle.
You might recognize him from the horror hit The Black Phone, where he played Finney. Casting a live-action Hiccup was a massive undertaking. Director Dean DeBlois, who also helmed the animated trilogy, was looking for someone who could balance the physical awkwardness of a young Viking with the "it factor" required for a franchise lead. Thames has that exact look. He’s lanky. He has expressive eyes. He looks like someone who would accidentally burn down a village while trying to build a dragon-catcher.
The live-action film, slated for a 2025 release, isn't just a shot-for-shot remake. It’s a reimagining. While Jay Baruchel’s Hiccup was defined by his voice, Mason Thames has to define him through movement and chemistry. Specifically, his chemistry with Astrid, played by Nico Parker. It’s a big jump. Taking a beloved animated icon and making him "real" usually results in a lot of internet scrutiny. Just look at the discourse around the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender. People are protective of Hiccup.
A Legacy of Voices: Other Actors in the Franchise
While we mostly talk about the movies, the How to Train Your Dragon universe is huge. There are games, theme park rides, and spin-offs. While Jay Baruchel did the heavy lifting for the main series, other actors have stepped into the boots for various projects.
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For instance, in some of the smaller video games or localized projects, you might find different voice talent. However, for the vast majority of the "prime" content, Baruchel remained the constant. This is actually pretty rare. Usually, big stars like Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie skip the TV spin-offs. Baruchel’s commitment to the Dragons: Riders of Berk and Defenders of Berk series is why those shows are considered essential viewing for fans.
- Jay Baruchel: The Original (Movies, TV Shows, Shorts)
- Mason Thames: The Live-Action Newcomer (2025 Movie)
- AJ Kane: Young Hiccup (Briefly in flashbacks/specific media)
The casting of the supporting roles is just as legendary. Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast is iconic. Interestingly, Butler is returning for the live-action movie. He’s the only major cast member making the jump from animation to live-action. This creates a weirdly cool bridge between the two versions of Hiccup. Mason Thames will be acting opposite the "same" father that Baruchel’s Hiccup had. Talk about pressure.
Why the Casting of Hiccup Matters So Much
Hiccup isn't a superhero. He’s a mechanical engineer born in the wrong century. The actor who plays Hiccup in How to Train Your Dragon has to convey intelligence over brawn. That’s the whole point of the story. If you cast someone too "cool" or too traditionally handsome, the theme of the movie breaks.
Hiccup wins because he thinks. He observes Toothless. He iterates on saddle designs. He’s basically a medieval STEM student. Baruchel’s voice carried that "brainy" energy. Mason Thames has to carry it in his performance. If the audience doesn't believe that this kid is an outcast, the bond with Toothless—the ultimate outcast—doesn't work.
There's also the physical toll. Even though it's voice acting, Baruchel has spoken about the exhaustion of "action breaths." Screaming while "flying" on a gimbal or grunting during a fight scene takes a lot out of you. For Thames, the physical toll will be literal. He’s been seen on set in full Viking gear, filming in the rugged landscapes of Northern Ireland. No more air-conditioned recording booths. He's in the mud now.
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What to Expect Next for the Character
As we move toward the live-action release, the conversation around who plays Hiccup is going to peak. We’re going to see trailers where Thames mimics Baruchel’s cadence, or perhaps he'll try something entirely new.
Honestly, the best thing a fan can do is revisit the original trilogy first. See the arc. Look at how the character evolves from a clumsy boy to a chief who has to let his best friend go. It’s one of the few trilogies that actually sticks the landing. Jay Baruchel’s performance in the final scenes of The Hidden World is a masterclass in vocal acting. The way his voice breaks when he says goodbye to Toothless? It’s gut-wrenching.
For those looking to keep up with the franchise, here is the current roadmap:
- Re-watch the Animated Trilogy: Focus on the vocal growth of Hiccup. It’s a 10-year journey.
- Follow Mason Thames: Watch his performance in The Black Phone to get a sense of his acting range. He can do "vulnerable" very well.
- Track the Live-Action Production: The film is being directed by the original creator, which is a massive green flag for quality control.
- Explore the Books: Cressida Cowell’s original books feature a very different Hiccup. He’s much younger and the story is more of a slapstick comedy. It gives you a different perspective on the character’s origins.
The transition from Jay Baruchel to Mason Thames represents a passing of the torch. Baruchel gave Hiccup a soul; now Thames has to give him a body. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the books or someone who just likes "the dragon movie," the identity of the actor playing Hiccup is the glue that holds the whole thing together. Without that specific blend of sarcasm and heart, it’s just another movie about monsters. With the right actor, it’s a story about growing up.
Keep an eye on the upcoming trailers. The first time we hear Mason Thames speak the iconic "There were dragons when I was a boy" line, we'll know exactly what kind of Hiccup we're getting.
Actionable Insights for Fans
To truly appreciate the evolution of Hiccup, start by watching the 2010 original and then skip directly to the final 20 minutes of The Hidden World. The contrast in Jay Baruchel's performance is staggering. If you're interested in the live-action version, look up behind-the-scenes footage of Mason Thames on set; his physical training for the role involved significant stunt work to mimic the "dragon riding" movements developed in the animation. Finally, check out the "Race to the Edge" series on Netflix if you want to hear Baruchel's most snarky and developed version of the character, as that series bridges the gap between the first and second films perfectly.