Astrid will be brought to life by a new actor in the live-actionHow to Train Your Dragon.DreamWorks' popular 2010 animated movie is the latest to get the live-action treatment, which means a whole new cast needed to be brought on board. These actors may be playing their respective characters for several potential live-action sequels, so it was important that the casting be perfect. In the case of Hiccup’s love interest Astrid inHow to Train Your Dragon, DreamWorks claimed an actor with credits that includeThe Third Day,The Last of Us,Suncoast, and more.
DreamWorks’Super Bowlcommercial for theupcoming live-actionHow to Train Your Dragonprovided a look at the new star in character. Previously, Mason Thames' version of Hiccup was shown interacting with the photorealistic version of Toothless in a shot-by-shot remake of their first meeting. Now, further moments from the 2025 movie have been revealed. Hiccup’s flight on Toothless while pursued by a flaming dragon in theHow to Train Your Dragontraileris visually stunning, butAstrid brought to life by Nico Parkeris more than noteworthy.
Nico Parker Plays Astrid In How To Train Your Dragon
Parker Is Briefly Featured In How To Train Your Dragon’s Super Bowl Commercial
As one of the primarycharacters ofHow to Train Your Dragon, the casting for Astrid was among the most important. The role ultimately went to Nico Park, whose casting was announced back in 2023. While teaser images featuring Parker in the role had previously been revealed,theHow to Train Your DragonSuper Bowl commercial was the first to show Parker in action as Astrid. She was only featured for a moment, but it’s clear that she has fallen smoothly within the role. Parker fits right in withHow to Train Your Dragoncostars Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, and Nick Frost.
How Nico Parker’s Astrid Compares To The Animated Version
Parker’s Casting Has Caused Backlash
As far as costume design, Parker’s live-action Astridlooks similar to her animatedHow to Train Your Dragoncounterpart. Parker dons two braids rather than one, but she wears the recognizable leather handband, just like Astrid in the 2010 film. The live-action character also wears similar leather, fur, and metal, making her recognizable as one of DreamWork’s dragon-riding Vikings. Regarding visual appearance, Parker is Black, while the animated Astrid is white. This has invited some outrageous backlash, whichHow to Train Your Dragondirector Dean DeBlois has addressed.
DeBlois explained that they auditioned a wide variety of actors for the live-actionHow to Train Your Dragon, many of whom looked very similar to the animated characters. However,they ultimately selected stars that matched the “spirit and personality of the characters.“DeBlois went on to explain that they weren’t crafting “historical fact” but a fantasy film, which meant realism regarding the pigment of Vikings' skin wasn’t a part of the process. In the end, Parker was the right actor for the role. Though only 20 years old, she has already proven her ability to take on a project likeHow to Train Your Dragon.
Other Movies & Shows Nico Parker Has Appeared In
Where Else You Have Seen Nico Parker
Parker claimed her first role in another live-action remake of a popular animated movie. Her film debut came with2019’sDumbo, directed by Tim Burton, in which she played Milly Farrier. From there, Parker claimed roles in movies likeReminiscence(2021) andSuncoast(2024),the latter of which she played Doris. The young rising star continued to become even more recognizable for her TV roles, including Ellie in 2020’sThe Third DayandSarah Miller in season 1 of HBO’sThe Last Of Us.How to Train Your Dragonis the next on Parker’s list, though certainly not the last.
Suncoast(2024)
Doris
Depending on how 2025’sHow to Train Your Dragonperforms, DreamWorks is sure to continue adapting the animated sequels into more live-action movies. Therefore,audiences have a chance to see Parker continue to play this character for years to come. This is sure to launch the actor’s already impressive career on an upward trajectory. Astrid is a confident, energetic, and snarky character whomHow to Train Your Dragon’s fans watched grow up in her animated form. With Parker stepping into Astrid’s live-action shoes, it’s a chance to do this all over again.
